hand/wrist pain

clarkson

this usually happens when im doing some downhill riding, or anything other than just riding along really. like a really bad ache on the left side of my hand where it joins the wrist. its in the same position as the ohter hand so can't see why its doing it

does anyone else experience anything similar? or know of any reasons why it might be doing this?

supersonic

Could be the angle your controls are at, or the way you grip (trapping the ulnar nerve). Could be worth experimenting with set up, or trying Spesh BG grips.

clarkson

ive thought of the angles, but im comfy with the brakes where they are and i dont use the shifter downhill obviously.

it may be as you say my grip. i went out tonight for a bit and did some jumps and it was hurting a bit then so im thinkin i maybe gripping the bar too hard. might be my glove chice too. theres no padding on these, 661 mtx, whereas my spesh one before had some padding on it.

Surf-Matt

Spesh gloves are Body Geometry designed and have a pad to cushion the ulnar nerve - they do work really well.

Also - can you adjust your brake reach? As you need to use the brakes a lot on DH riding (unless you are a total nutter), it puts a lot of pressure on the hands - try adjusting the bite point so that the lever is much closer to the bar/grip - you need much less hand stretching to brake and put less pressure on them.

I prefer mine reasonably far away but most DHers have them close in.

I think hand pain is a bit of a fact of life in any sustained MTBing, just like aching shoulders are part and parcel of surfing but you can limit it.

Bikerbaboon

if you are using riser bars try setting the up and back angle of the bar to come back directly in line with your arms. I was told this tip by a local MTB doc it worked for me.

Noel PT

I find the same thing happens to me, but I have just learnt to live with it.

I have to agree with the brake angle comment, it won't stop the pain but it defo made it more manageable.

Phippsy

I picked up some hand pain on Wednesday night while wearing Specialized Submerge gloves (I know, in August!)

Came off and now have a large hole in my glove on the palm. And stitches in my hand. It hurt more than the crash as they didn't give me any anaesthetic, as only two stitches.

Flint I think, couldn't really find the culprit when I looked. Those waterproof gloves don't give you much crash prtection, do they?

passout

Brake lever reach? And...
Try not to hover over the brakes 'too much' - a difficult one to get right.
Just holding the grips fully (with all fingers) tires your hands much less I find.

Perhaps your grips are too thick - if you have small hands. If this is the case try Yeti Hardcore grips. I think grips are much more significant than the gloves.

clarkson

my grips are fine. i think i might have to adjust the lever reach and stop covering the brakes too much. i tend to do this a lot if im not actually braking downhill. i'll give it a go soon and let you know how i get on.

Toshmund

Short video on You.tube with a woman explaining posture. She is aiming at people using the PC, but a lot of the comments about the shoulders and back are appropriate, I think.

My employers are big on MSS (Muscular Skeletal Stress - not RSI...you can sue for RSI's) have used the hand exercisers. They gave us the the Wieder one, very good for the hand and the wrist. Have also got a wraparound neoprene support, with a velcro fastening, if you do tweak it too much. Good piece of kit.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2tQmxb2pJw