Originally Posted by
dregsfan
... Loosely or tightly, it's hard to say. Don't know what to compare it to. I'm riding on pavement so shouldn't be too tightly.
...A new bar will be longer than what is on there now I believe.
As a general rule, you should be as relaxed as possible everywhere in your body that isn't actively doing something. If your bike fit is good there's no need to grip the bars tightly, just rest your hands there.
A longer bar might make things worse since your wrists are already bent outward. I'd look at how your arms and elbows are positioned (maybe move them outward), you want your wrists as straight as possible.