Training & Nutrition - Handlebar Palsy

I was told I have this condition, when I went to doctor thinking I had carpel tunnel. The problem was that the wrong side of my hand was affected as opposed to Carpel tunnel. It feels like your hand is numb, but never goes away. Doctor said only cure is to stop cycling. So I said "your telling me thre is no cure"? Because stop cycling is notan option. here is a link: http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/cycling-injuries.html

Get a bent. My wife got one due to issues with her hands, and she is now very happy cycling. No stress on the hands at all.

“In most cases, if a cyclist refrains from cycling and receives appropriate treatment, the inflammation and pain will disappear within two to four weeks”

Also what types of bars? You ride cruisers?
I doubt by arms\wrist could manage that long with the bar types I've seen.

Perhaps a very well fit bike and a more correct -(for you) type bar.
Road bikes use drop bars =multiple hand positions, mtb use bar ends =same thing.

I find the ONLY position I can stand really is the mtb foreward position.
I carefully set my bike XC style so that i have a good =ballance of weight seat\peddle\hands.

It may be a result of stress from dirtbikes if you are currently doing that as well.
Lay off both for the recommended time and maybe look into the ergonomics of cycling and different hand\bar positions.

The artical had a good few points to consider.
Get well soon.

Your Dr is wrong. I had that too ... so bad, my hands were paralyzed.

1. If you are using an aluminum bicycle, get something in steel or other more forgiving substance.

2. Get your bicycle set up properly. You *might* need to move the saddle closer to the handlebars, or possibly raise the handlebars a bit, but get a fitting done to find out.

3. Get good gloves with padding in the right places

4. Consider gel inserts under your handlebar tape.

5. Move and stretch while you ride. Don't lock into one position.

That sucks. I actually got handlebar palsy from using crutches when I had reconstructive surgery on my ankle in November. My right pinky went numb. After I was off crutches it took about two months for it to go back to normal. Is there PT that you can do? I'd ask your doctor for a PT prescription. There is a ton of stuff that PTs can fix.

[QUOTE=jeff williams]“In most cases, if a cyclist refrains from cycling and receives appropriate treatment, the inflammation and pain will disappear within two to four weeks”

Also what types of bars? You ride cruisers?
I doubt by arms\wrist could manage that long with the bar types I've seen.

Perhaps a very well fit bike and a more correct -(for you) type bar.
Road bikes use drop bars =multiple hand positions, mtb use bar ends =same thing.

I find the ONLY position I can stand really is the mtb foreward position.
I carefully set my bike XC style so that i have a good =ballance of weight seat\peddle\hands.

It may be a result of stress from dirtbikes if you are currently doing that as well.
Lay off both for the recommended time and maybe look into the ergonomics of cycling and different hand\bar positions.

Yes I ride cruiser's long distance (at least 40 miles each time I ride, but never over 60 miles). I choke up on the long bars, so that my hands r at same width as shoulder's. I have better control that way.And you are correct about changing postions, This actually happened in Oct. 2004 , I just joined your forum. And thought I would share the story. I don't have the numdness since I moved hand postion multiple times while riding.Never missed a day of riding. Now my feet hurt because I don't wear shoes while riding...lol