What to do for aching elbows when riding

**PrincessBandit** · 19th April 2008, 21:11

Did a search and couldn't find anything specific to what I want to know. Apologies in advance if this has been done a million times and I just haven't been able to find the info.

I tend to get an ache especially in my right elbow when I'm riding for any length of time. I'm not sure if the cold triggers it or whether it's a combination of temperature and arm position. My gear is nice and warm (torso and limbs pretty comfortable regarding this - and I DO know what it's like to be bbrrrrrrr cold when on the bike). Can anyone else who has solved this issue let me know how they did it please? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (except for those which recommend chopping my arm off so as to be rid of the source of the problem).

**speights_bud** · 19th April 2008, 21:18

I used to find on long trips that i was leaning on one handle bar and taking the weight up on the other, which would leave one elbow sore, so maybe try to take the weight off of your elbows and let them drop down a bit. Something i was told that also helped my riding style

**CookMySock** · 19th April 2008, 21:23

Try something like this, miss ;

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...bow-Brace.aspx

edit: I used one of these on my knee after I work-RSI'ed it. Dang it was sore - quite crippling actually - catch it on the wrong angle and payyyyy! Helped heeeeps, and now I don't need it at all. Seems to keep the joint braced and warm. I could feel the difference as soon as I put it on.

DB

**Holy Roller** · 19th April 2008, 21:33

are you gripping the bars too much? relax your hands, wiggle your fingers, hold the throttle open with your palm. This allows the arm to relax and enable one to sit upright a bit more taking the weight off the arms.

Otherwise just pop a couple of panadol before the ride

**Nagash** · 20th April 2008, 10:05

Exercise would also help aswell with getting rid of the problems.

One of those gyro balls or whatever they are would really strengthen the muscles and you'd be able to go alot further without any pain.

Other then that it sounds like you either have an old injury on that elbow where DangerousBastard's suggestion of a brace would come in handy. Or you're just leaning on that particulary elbow in which case, don't.

**Big Dave** · 20th April 2008, 10:22

Taller handlebars or risers.

**Bass** · 20th April 2008, 11:43

If releasing the throttle and quickly flexing your fingers several times, immediately eases it, then it's a form of tennis elbow and you should talk to a therapist about some stretching exercises.
I won't attempt to describe the appropriate exercise here, because it's a bit of a contortionist's nightmare and you could tie yourself in a grannie knot attempting anything I describe.

**Renegade** · 21st April 2008, 16:48

tube of deep heat carried under the seat combined with some of the above suggestions.

**sinned** · 22nd April 2008, 18:58

I have suffered from tennis elbow and suggest you have your arm checked out at the docs. If it is tennis elbow it ain't gonna come right by itself and if it gets worse you could be off the bike and other activities for a long time. Panadol just covers the pain while you cause more damage.
Here is link http://www.tennis-elbow.net/?gclid=C...FSlciAodCxNtGA
but a visit to your GP is recommended.

**Rockbuddy** · 22nd April 2008, 19:10

trade your bike up for a cruiser problem solved

**Katman** · 22nd April 2008, 19:22

You could always try taking a couple of HTFU tablets.

**1200custom** · 22nd April 2008, 19:55

duk tape some frozen peas on

**breakaway** · 22nd April 2008, 20:04

My physiotherapist says: Use your core to hold your upper body up. Don't use your arms.

**sefer** · 23rd April 2008, 00:21

Ok, this might seem like a stupid suggestion, but can you ride with no hands?

I'm thinking that most likely your either applying too much pressure to the bars by putting your weight forward on to your arms, or your bars are just in a bad position for you. If you can ride with no hands with no problem (remember to watch the road for potholes while your doing it!) then chances are you can eliminate the first one since you need to have your weight centred to do it. In which case look at your bar position.

Yes this may be a stupid suggestion, I'm sure everyone will agree it is

**skidMark** · 23rd April 2008, 00:47

Originally Posted by speights_bud

I used to find on long trips that i was leaning on one handle bar and taking the weight up on the other, which would leave one elbow sore, so maybe try to take the weight off of your elbows and let them drop down a bit. Something i was told that also helped my riding style

You're riding doesnt have style doohan, your just a riding god bro

It's in your blood lol