Arm going numb during long bike ride???

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Arm going numb during long bike ride??? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2011-08-30 10:55 AM

User image

Master
2759
20005001001002525
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: Arm going numb during long bike ride???

Went for 27 mile bike ride after work yesterday.   From 0-20 miles the terrain was mostly flat and I did my best to shift my body around every 15 minutes and at every stoplight, move my arms around stretching and flexing.  But as I was climbing the hill segment, my left big toe area started getting numb at the 23 mile mark.  It also happened a week ago (same path but a little shorter) as well but it was worse then as I didn't do body shifting or movements every 15 minutes that time consistently.  I attribute the big toe numbness to pedaling incorrectly.  However, my left arm started getting numb as well... from my left elbow to my hand.  How does one prevent this from happening?  Please help.

Thanks,

Roland

2011-08-30 11:25 AM
in reply to: #3665667

Veteran
307
100100100
Liberty Lake, WA
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???

Are you riding a road bike or a tri bike? The way that you hold the hoods of a road bike can cause the nerve in the palm of your hand to do weird things. If you are riding a tri bike then their should be no pressure on your palms and I would have no idea why this would be occuring.

EDIT: Also...if you ARE riding on the hoods of your bike...are you wearing gloves...and are they high quality, padded ones?



Edited by xine2kgts 2011-08-30 11:26 AM
2011-08-30 11:27 AM
in reply to: #3665667

User image


434
10010010010025
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???
My right arm was having numbness (shoulder down) on rides several years ago.  I literally could not pull keys out of jersey pocket with right arm after a 20-25 mile ride.  Diagnosis was mild bursitis (possibly from swimming?).  Doc said I should be stretching shoulders/arms before swimming and riding - and that took care of it.  No similar problems since.  It may be worth a try.
2011-08-30 11:31 AM
in reply to: #3665731

User image

Master
2759
20005001001002525
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???
xine2kgts - 2011-08-30 9:25 AM

Are you riding a road bike or a tri bike? The way that you hold the hoods of a road bike can cause the nerve in the palm of your hand to do weird things. If you are riding a tri bike then their should be no pressure on your palms and I would have no idea why this would be occuring.

EDIT: Also...if you ARE riding on the hoods of your bike...are you wearing gloves...and are they high quality, padded ones?

I'm riding a road bike and yes, I was on the hoods during that climb.  I'm wearing some pretty good gloves that have good padding which I bought recently.  I'm wondering if I was applying too much grip?

These are the gloves I'm currently using:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KW3HJW



Edited by kloofyroland 2011-08-30 11:41 AM
2011-08-30 11:39 AM
in reply to: #3665738

User image

Master
2759
20005001001002525
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???

jbrookscga78 - 2011-08-30 9:27 AM

should be stretching shoulders/arms before swimming and riding - and that took care of it.  No similar problems since.  It may be worth a try.

Thanks, I'll try that. =)

2011-08-30 11:41 AM
in reply to: #3665667

User image

Veteran
186
100252525
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???

Roland,

I'm no fit expert, but I think your fit is slightly (or maybe significantly) off. Have you been professionally fit yet?

Your toe might be a many things. Shoes too tight, saddle too high, bad cleat position...I don't know.

It does sound like your saddle may be a tad too far forward. If you move back 0.5-1 cm, you might solve the arm numbness by moving your center of gravity back a tad, taking weight off your hands/upper body and onto your butt and pedals (where it should be). You may need to move the handlebars up a tad as well to stay comfortable, but once your hands are unweighted that might not be as critical.

Or just go get (re)fitted if all of this sounds like hocus pocus.

G'luck -Jason

2011-08-30 11:48 AM
in reply to: #3665667

Veteran
307
100100100
Liberty Lake, WA
Subject: RE: Arm going numb during long bike ride???

The link below is for "hand numbness" but it is what I am talking about...check it out real quick and see if it applies to you...

 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/378217-cycling-and-hand-numbness/

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Arm going numb during long bike ride??? Rss Feed