Numb fingers?

[meteor]

I'm getting numb fingers only on my throttle hand. Not sure why, I've got good summer gloves and about 3 sets of winter and seem to be getting numb fingers on longer rides, over and hour or so. I've taken to using some ski gloves but... not ideal. Not sure if it's a wrist angle thing or maybe a glove material bunching under my fingers??? Anyone else get that, what was your solution?

[ducatilover]

Lower the brake lever if you're covering the brake with your fingers.

[SMOKEU]

Lower the brake lever if you're covering the brake with your fingers.

It's a bad habit to ride like that anyway, I've been told not to do it.

[akkadian]

It's a bad habit to ride like that anyway, I've been told not to do it.

Me too.

Not wearing a watch on that wrist or anything? Could be cutting off your circulation

[Akzle]

learn what your ulnary nerve is. then stop leaning on it.

[ducatilover]

It's a bad habit to ride like that anyway, I've been told not to do it. Nah, GP riders do it, must be perfect for teh roads.

I do it, I didn't die.

[SMOKEU]

Nah, GP riders do it, must be perfect for teh roads.

I do it, I didn't die.

When I went on a rider training course with Dan Ornsby he told me I should stop riding with my hand resting over the front brake lever as it's harder to control the throttle that way.

[FJRider]

Spread the weight of the grip on the throttle over the palm of the hand as well as the fingers. Keep the wrist straight. If you have to release the throttle to cover the brake with any of the fingers ... the angle and method of grip is wrong.

If they start to get numb ... keep pressure on the throttle with the palm only, and straighten and wiggle the fingers to keep the circulation going.

Tight fitting gloves can hamper circulation in the fingers too. In some circumstances ... tight fitting sleeves in a jacket can do the same thing.

[MIXONE]

I used to get the same thing on my mate's beema.Vibrations through the bars I think.

[meteor]

Covering the brake? sometimes, I ride a lot off road and it's never a problem but maybe I inadvertently do it on road too causing me to kink my wrist and pinch my radial artery?
Tight jacket? never thought of that, thanks, I'll check.
Ulnar nerve? not sure, thinking more likely pinching of the radial artery as above but if I'm covering the brake then the outside of my hand, where the nerve runs, will be weight bearing so possibly.

Will realign my brake lever to reduce the kink when (if) I cover the brake. And I'll check those things above.
Thanks guys, good advice.

[swbarnett]

Covering the brake? sometimes, I ride a lot off road and it's never a problem but maybe I inadvertently do it on road too causing me to kink my wrist and pinch my radial artery?
Seems to me that you need to adjust the position of your brake lever. It should be on the same line as your elbow and wrist.

[joan of arc]

Maybe something as simple as glove fingers too short. Tho' would probably affect both hands unless gloves are slightly different sizes or hands are!
When you grasp the throttle the glove is pulled tight on finger and thumb tips which after a time could cause numbness. Kinda like pins and needles.

[FJRider]

The biggest secret is to relax. If you start getting tired ... the grip tends to get "hang on for dear life". Stop and rest ... five minutes or so is good. A drink-snack-pee ... all the things you hadn't had time to do. So really the time isn't wasted. And the circulation returns.

[DrunkenMistake]

When I went on a rider training course with Dan Ornsby he told me I should stop riding with my hand resting over the front brake lever as it's harder to control the throttle that way.


Kinda makes sense,

I have my thumb and pointing finger on the throttle and my other 3 fingers covering the brake, means I kinda force myself to roll off the throttle to get on the brake, dunno I just find it comfortable.

[darkwolf]

If you really want to help your riding. Take the weight off of your hands all together. You only need a finger and thumb to control your throttle, your handlebars are for steering, not resting. Grip the bike with your legs, take your weight off your bars and profit.

[CookMySock]

If you really want to help your riding. Take the weight off of your hands all together.This is the best suggestion, but some "wristy" bikes make this difficult.

[swbarnett]

You only need a finger and thumb to control your throttle,
I'm finding that I don't even need a finger. I regularly lane-split with all four fingers over the brake lever and control the throttle between thumb and palm.

[pete-blen]

I get that on the XT all the time with a glove...
take the glove off and I can ride for hours with no
probs... I have thought it is the thick glove not
letting my hand close enough...

[darkwolf]

This is the best suggestion, but some "wristy" bikes make this difficult.

I found the ZX6R way more "wristy" than my VTR to start with, but I started focusing on gripping with my legs and using my core to support my weight. It started that I'd feel the weight on my wrists in about 10 minutes of riding. Now I can ride for upto an hour without needing to readjust or remind myself.

I'm sure there are more aggressive positions than my ZX and with these bikes my ability to maintain my position without weighting my wrists would be significantly reduced, though I would expect the tank would start to become easier to rest on. I am now interested in trying this... I will start trying to get my leg over some more aggressive bikes.

[CookMySock]

I note my bars can be swung back somewhat. Gunna try this.

[RuoskaNZ]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/97666-Throttle-Rocker-Anyone-use-them-know-where-to-get-them-in-NZ

Saw this one a while back, it is supposed to stop the deadening of the hand. Havn't used one of these but idk, look around.

[nzspokes]

Welcome to the world of Carpel Tunnel issues.:weep:

[Katman]

When I went on a rider training course with Dan Ornsby he told me I should stop riding with my hand resting over the front brake lever as it's harder to control the throttle that way.

I don't believe it's harder to control the throttle at all.

In fact, I find that the minute downward pressure I can apply on the brake lever (not applying the brake) with the two fingers covering the brake gives absolutely precise throttle control.

Mostly suitable for round town riding though and I consider covering the brake when riding in traffic is certainly a good idea.

[ducatilover]

I don't believe it's harder to control the throttle at all.

In fact, I find that the minute downward pressure I can apply on the brake lever (not applying the brake) with the two fingers covering the brake gives absolutely precise throttle control.

Mostly suitable for round town riding though and I consider covering the brake when riding in traffic is certainly a good idea.
I have to agree with this. I've been doing it for years, it certainly helps you when some dick decides you're a great target :wacko:

[SMOKEU]

I also do cover the front brake when riding in heavy traffic, but not on the open road unless I suspect imminent danger.

[nzspokes]

but not on the open road unless I suspect imminent danger.

On the open road your always in danger.

[SMOKEU]

On the open road your always in danger.

Especially with my riding.

[Fast Eddie]

If you really want to help your riding. Take the weight off of your hands all together. You only need a finger and thumb to control your throttle, your handlebars are for steering, not resting. Grip the bike with your legs, take your weight off your bars and profit.

yea.. thats the one.

i ride sports bikes, so its leaned forward position. grip with ur legs and support yourself. should be able to flop your elbows around and shoulders shouldn't be tight.

vibrations do it for sure, I used to get numb hands on the 600cc single cyl.. not on the fours or 2 stroke tho..

[Fast Eddie]

I'm finding that I don't even need a finger. I regularly lane-split with all four fingers over the brake lever and control the throttle between thumb and palm.

wait till u panic or freeze up, holding throttle open and jamming on the front brakes when you clamp your hand closed :D

[Flip]

Had the same problem.

Mine was a compressed Ulner nerve in my elbow. Its a simple op to get it released. But my funny bone has shifted to the inside of my elbow, which is kind of funny.

The question is is it the outside or inside of your hand that gets numb?

[meteor]

Had the same problem.

Mine was a compressed Ulner nerve in my elbow. Its a simple op to get it released. But my funny bone has shifted to the inside of my elbow, which is kind of funny.

The question is is it the outside or inside of your hand that gets numb?

It has been my index and big finger mainly... but I also seem to wake up with numb fingers quite regularly... might ask the Dr about that one.

[slofox]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/97666-Throttle-Rocker-Anyone-use-them-know-where-to-get-them-in-NZ

Saw this one a while back, it is supposed to stop the deadening of the hand. Havn't used one of these but idk, look around.

These work well. I have a palm full of scar tissue which can so easily cause the hand to go numb. Use of the "throttle buddy" stops all of that malarkey.

[Katman]

I have a palm full of scar tissue

How's your eyesight? :eek5:

[MIXONE]

It has been my index and big finger mainly... but I also seem to wake up with numb fingers quite regularly... might ask the Dr about that one.

Could be the onset of Carpel Tunnel Syndrone(sp?).

[slofox]

How's your eyesight? :eek5:

Eyesight is just fine thanks. Smartarse...:bleh:

Scarring is a result of surgery to correct Duypetrens Contracture - aka the Viking Curse. Gotta get the other hand done soon.

[skippa1]

Eyesight is just fine thanks. Smartarse...:bleh:

Scarring is a result of surgery to correct Duypetrens Contracture - aka the Viking Curse. Gotta get the other hand done soon.

ahhh fuck, Ive got to get that in September. Whats the healing time like?

[DangerMice]

I got this when I started tucking my jackets sleeves inside my gloves. Previously I'd always had my jacket over the top.

[slofox]

ahhh fuck, Ive got to get that in September. Whats the healing time like?

Fairly long recovery time - you need to make sure the scars don't contract and leave you worse off than before. Probably after three months it is reasonable but I think it's about six months until you can stop the after treatment.

I had the right hand done last time. I'm right handed. I had ten days with that hand in a plastic form to keep it immobilized. I never realised what skill it takes to wipe your arse up until that time...:sick:

[skippa1]

Fairly long recovery time - you need to make sure the scars don't contract and leave you worse off than before. Probably after three months it is reasonable but I think it's about six months until you can stop the after treatment.

I had the right hand done last time. I'm right handed. I had ten days with that hand in a plastic form to keep it immobilized. I never realised what skill it takes to wipe your arse up until that time...:sick:

A long healing time is what I heard and I am told by the surgeon that I cannot drive for a month and in plaster for 3 months. I think that given those conditions, I may flag it. Cant get to work like that. Is it worth it?

[slofox]

A long healing time is what I heard and I am told by the surgeon that I cannot drive for a month and in plaster for 3 months. I think that given those conditions, I may flag it. Cant get to work like that. Is it worth it?

Is it worth it?

Hmmm - how long is a piece of string, really. I guess it depends on how bad your contracture is and how it is impacting on your life.

One of my main reasons for getting it done was the discomfort it was causing me. I'd have it wake me in the night with aches etc. I had the fourth and fifth fingers down about 45 degrees. At that stage I still had a piano and couldn't properly span chords so in my case, I thought it was worth it.

But you really swap one thing for another. There IS that long healing time and it is not always permanent anyway. I do have some re-growth in the little finger on the right hand. And there is the scar tissue to cope with as well. I don't regret having it done and am going ahead with the left hand anyway. Only the fifth finger is involved on the left but it is quite painful and is also waking me at night.

Best of luck.

[Flip]

It has been my index and big finger mainly... but I also seem to wake up with numb fingers quite regularly... might ask the Dr about that one.

Waking up with a numb hand is the giveaway.

The two little fingers are the nerve in your elbow, the index and big finger is carpal tunnel.

I was riding after a week after surgery but I wasn't happy. Go to the doc and get it logged with ACC, I used to be a boiler maker in an earlier life, I am sure you have done a manual rtc job some time. Your doc will send you to a nerve induction specialist to measure the damage. It takes a couple of three months for the nerves to regenerate in your hand and a year for your elbow.

If you get a big thick scar like I did, simply get your GP to inject it with cortozone it works as a great scar thinner. I needed 2 lots of injections, they fucking sting but are well worth it.

[CookMySock]

On the open road your always in danger.But at open road speeds you are far better off to steer, than brake.

[actungbaby]

Kinda makes sense,

I have my thumb and pointing finger on the throttle and my other 3 fingers covering the brake, means I kinda force myself to roll off the throttle to get on the brake, dunno I just find it comfortable.

Yeah i thought try riding with fingers over the brake but i dont like it as feels werid and you dont have same feel with

The throttle so have to agree

[Flip]

One other thing once you have nerve compression damage it only gets worse, until it keeps you awake at night.

Getting it fixed early means it regenerates faster.

[meteor]

One other thing once you have nerve compression damage it only gets worse, until it keeps you awake at night.

Getting it fixed early means it regenerates faster.

Cheers. Thinking about my mortgage, staff, kids etc are enough to keep me awake at night ;) but I'm tending to think that the issue is CT. Next Dr visit I'll get the full service!
I was looking at my wrist angle when covering my brake during the commute, I think I've set it up ok and there's no real kink. Possibly? on a long Hway ride the wrist kink might be more pronounced due to holding the throttle open further for longer... dunno, just a theory for now. Might even have a try using my old cycling gloves that have a gel pad under the heel, soften the pressure and lift the heel of the palm to reduce that kink... I ride a naked SV so it's a reasonably upright position so not a lot of weight on the bars, yes I know use the thighs ;) If I can fix the problem naturally by re training and without going under the knife I'll try. I'm allergic to pain.