Hand and wrist problems (Arthritis)

seanorawe

I'm undergoing tests to see what's wrong with my hands and wrists, they are very painful for a period of time, then get better for a while. I was tested for carpal tunnel which came back negative, so I'm now being referred to see if I have arthritis. Is there something to make things easier when cycling? The soft parts of my palms, between thumb and baby finger get sore very quickly, with little pressure on it, and my wrists ache if I try take the pressure off this spot. I have double wrapped my bars, but my gloves are old mountain bike gloves from Decathlon, could this be a problem?

Quins

I can't help you, but will be interested to see how you get on as I'm having a similar issue with wrist pain. I don't recall having this much pain last year. Keep us posted Sean.

bob6397

If you don't already have them and are willing to get some - carbon bars/stem. i don't use them myself but a lot of people have said that they reduce vibration to your hands..?

Proper padded gloves may also help - or just different shaped gloves maybe?

davep1

Might be a bike fit issue, and/or your position on the bike, could be worth talking to your LBS about it? I resisted the proper fit for a while, I knew the £120 cost of the fit would likely be a lot more when talked into other kit changes that were "necessary". I ended up spending nearer £300, but that included over £100 on proper shoes. I had bought too large shoes to allow me fit 2 pairs of thick socks because my feet are always cold; but if you can't get your feet in the right place on the pedals it's all a bit of a waste! I would say that almost all the old aches and pains I used to get before the fit have gone.

Try different kinds of gloves, I have Specialised Body fit ones which are expensive but good. Some people swear by not having any gloves at all, but if you come off you have no protection from skinning your palms.

seanorawe

I have a carbon stem but not bars. The bars are double wrapped and in doing so,helped a little. Unfortunately, I fear the pain will always be there, as my doctor is fairly confident I have arthritis

seanorawe

Also.......... If the pain gets much worse, and I simply have to take pressure off my hands, is there such thing as a stem riser that doesn't look like a big dorky stem riser? My stem has already been flipped up.