left arm numbness and warming up
04-10-17, 09:51 PM
#1
Rouleur
Thread Starter
left arm numbness and warming up
Just wanted to see if anyone else is familar with this.
I'm 38, been riding more or less for about 25 years. Always been overweight, currently at 235. When I was younger like 14-15 I remember chasing this fast guy to the point where my left arm would feel kind of numb.
Last couple years riding the trainer in winter I've experienced this similar sensation almost the moment I begin working hard. So the sensation is not chest pain, and I wouldn't even call it pain. It's more like a numbness and slight weakness in my left arm bicep area. Went mountain biking today, and experienced it early in the ride, about 5 ten minutes after climbing the first hill. It eventually went away and didn't come back.
I've also noticed the last couple years, but especially this year that I seem to need more and more time to warm up. Now this is only on rides where I am pushing hard. Seems like I need almost an hour before I start to really feel good.
I've also had a hard time getting my heart rate up, mainly because of the arm numbness I think, but even later. It seems like 150s feel like the 170s should feel.
I know the obvious reply is go to doctor, so besides that any advice, or is this kind of normal.
I'm 38, been riding more or less for about 25 years. Always been overweight, currently at 235. When I was younger like 14-15 I remember chasing this fast guy to the point where my left arm would feel kind of numb.
Last couple years riding the trainer in winter I've experienced this similar sensation almost the moment I begin working hard. So the sensation is not chest pain, and I wouldn't even call it pain. It's more like a numbness and slight weakness in my left arm bicep area. Went mountain biking today, and experienced it early in the ride, about 5 ten minutes after climbing the first hill. It eventually went away and didn't come back.
I've also noticed the last couple years, but especially this year that I seem to need more and more time to warm up. Now this is only on rides where I am pushing hard. Seems like I need almost an hour before I start to really feel good.
I've also had a hard time getting my heart rate up, mainly because of the arm numbness I think, but even later. It seems like 150s feel like the 170s should feel.
I know the obvious reply is go to doctor, so besides that any advice, or is this kind of normal.
04-10-17, 09:59 PM
#2
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Could be anything or nothing, serious or just something to live with.
Given your age you shouldn't have problems getting your heart rate up to and beyond 150. Of course, lot's depends on your overall condition and what kind of riding your doing, ie. speed, hills, level of effort and overall distance or time in the saddle.
I'd say that there's enough cause for concern to see a doc and have a stress test, to see if there are irregularities in heart rhythm, and determine what, if anything is called for. BTW - many docs wimp out on stress tests, and won't bring the level up to what you'll put out on a good climb. So make sure to tell your doctor all the info, and how hard you ride, so he'll test in that range.
BTW- depending on the conversation with the doctor, and observed condition, it might make sense to have a stress echo (ultrasound) test done. This often reveals issues that don't show up in the electrocardiogram. If you ask the technician, he might also echo the upper arm area which might reveal a local issue there.
Given your age you shouldn't have problems getting your heart rate up to and beyond 150. Of course, lot's depends on your overall condition and what kind of riding your doing, ie. speed, hills, level of effort and overall distance or time in the saddle.
I'd say that there's enough cause for concern to see a doc and have a stress test, to see if there are irregularities in heart rhythm, and determine what, if anything is called for. BTW - many docs wimp out on stress tests, and won't bring the level up to what you'll put out on a good climb. So make sure to tell your doctor all the info, and how hard you ride, so he'll test in that range.
BTW- depending on the conversation with the doctor, and observed condition, it might make sense to have a stress echo (ultrasound) test done. This often reveals issues that don't show up in the electrocardiogram. If you ask the technician, he might also echo the upper arm area which might reveal a local issue there.
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FB
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 04-10-17 at 10:04 PM.
04-11-17, 08:29 AM
#3
Senior Member
Is one arm slightly longer than the other one?
I have seen that one come into the bike shop causing numbness. Stretching or compressing one arm more than the other puts pressure on it.
Also, those heart ranges are "average". You may not be average.
Given my age I should peak out at 172 or so, but really it is 181+
I have seen that one come into the bike shop causing numbness. Stretching or compressing one arm more than the other puts pressure on it.
Also, those heart ranges are "average". You may not be average.
Given my age I should peak out at 172 or so, but really it is 181+
04-13-17, 08:53 AM
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I get numb hands now and then after long rides. But, I've never experienced any bicep issues. It being your left, I'd probably be concerned if it came along with unusual fatigue or nausea and shoulder pain. If it's just bicep numbness (how exactly does a bicep going numb feel?) and everything else feels fine, I'd probably ignore it and chalk it up to an old injury coming back to haunt me.
04-13-17, 01:13 PM
#5
Senior Member
Numbness would usually indicate a lack of blood supply but since you have it 25 years a clot is very unlikely!! Do you get it only when cycling? If you ran up a few flights of stairs would you get it? If it only happens when cycling then i'd say your position on the bike might be a culprit. Maybe a trapped nerve or something when you reach over to the handlebars.
When I built up my bike originally with drop bars I had awful wrist and neck numbness, pins and needles and pain. I converted the bike to flat bars and now nothing. Completely cured!
When I built up my bike originally with drop bars I had awful wrist and neck numbness, pins and needles and pain. I converted the bike to flat bars and now nothing. Completely cured!
04-13-17, 02:25 PM
#6
genec
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Numbness would usually indicate a lack of blood supply but since you have it 25 years a clot is very unlikely!! Do you get it only when cycling? If you ran up a few flights of stairs would you get it? If it only happens when cycling then i'd say your position on the bike might be a culprit. Maybe a trapped nerve or something when you reach over to the handlebars.
When I built up my bike originally with drop bars I had awful wrist and neck numbness, pins and needles and pain. I converted the bike to flat bars and now nothing. Completely cured!
When I built up my bike originally with drop bars I had awful wrist and neck numbness, pins and needles and pain. I converted the bike to flat bars and now nothing. Completely cured!
So in the hospital, they simply rerouted his main arteries. Took about 4 months to recover, and now he has more energy than before.
Now I am sure there are technical medical terms I have abused in this description, but essentially that was the situation.
Bottom line, check with a doctor and tell them what is happening... you might have some "manufacturing defect" that can be fixed... before it turns into a bigger problem.
04-13-17, 05:39 PM
#7
The Left Coast, USA
Could be anything or nothing, serious or just something to live with.
Given your age you shouldn't have problems getting your heart rate up to and beyond 150. Of course, lot's depends on your overall condition and what kind of riding your doing, ie. speed, hills, level of effort and overall distance or time in the saddle.
I'd say that there's enough cause for concern to see a doc and have a stress test, to see if there are irregularities in heart rhythm, and determine what, if anything is called for. BTW - many docs wimp out on stress tests, and won't bring the level up to what you'll put out on a good climb. So make sure to tell your doctor all the info, and how hard you ride, so he'll test in that range.
BTW- depending on the conversation with the doctor, and observed condition, it might make sense to have a stress echo (ultrasound) test done. This often reveals issues that don't show up in the electrocardiogram. If you ask the technician, he might also echo the upper arm area which might reveal a local issue there.
Given your age you shouldn't have problems getting your heart rate up to and beyond 150. Of course, lot's depends on your overall condition and what kind of riding your doing, ie. speed, hills, level of effort and overall distance or time in the saddle.
I'd say that there's enough cause for concern to see a doc and have a stress test, to see if there are irregularities in heart rhythm, and determine what, if anything is called for. BTW - many docs wimp out on stress tests, and won't bring the level up to what you'll put out on a good climb. So make sure to tell your doctor all the info, and how hard you ride, so he'll test in that range.
BTW- depending on the conversation with the doctor, and observed condition, it might make sense to have a stress echo (ultrasound) test done. This often reveals issues that don't show up in the electrocardiogram. If you ask the technician, he might also echo the upper arm area which might reveal a local issue there.
I had a similar symptom, tingling and weakness in the left side, radiating from the shoulder,arm area and felt across the chest. Experienced after some HIIT activity, but once during a hike. Scary. The culprit was side sleeping on an over-firm bed. We big chested side sleepers need a bed with some give, or we get nerve-muscle pinched. Obviously, I more often sleep on my left side. Hope this gives you an additional idea to consider.
04-13-17, 05:54 PM
#8
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Yes, it is the go to response.
Since you quoted me, I'll add that I'm the last guy to advise going to the doc, and even started the post saying it could be nothing.
However, given the OP's weight, age, and the onset of symptoms with exercise, and something that seems to be slowly getting worse over the years, I felt he had enough indicators to warrant some added caution, beyond I might have advised some younger, fitter rider with different indicators.
So, despite seeing doctors not being in my nature, I repeat the advice based on the indicators the OP provided.
Since you quoted me, I'll add that I'm the last guy to advise going to the doc, and even started the post saying it could be nothing.
However, given the OP's weight, age, and the onset of symptoms with exercise, and something that seems to be slowly getting worse over the years, I felt he had enough indicators to warrant some added caution, beyond I might have advised some younger, fitter rider with different indicators.
So, despite seeing doctors not being in my nature, I repeat the advice based on the indicators the OP provided.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
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“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-13-17, 06:38 PM
#9
The Left Coast, USA
04-13-17, 07:11 PM
#10
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No need to apologize. We all say what we think, and should feel free to do so.
I hate medical questions. Often a bike forum is the best place to get info on some oddball issues, because we know more about bikes and our bodies than the average medical man.
But we walk a thin line between offering advice on managing a problem, and actually offering medical advice. We're also handicapped because we never get anything coming close to a medical history, and so can't see what may be contributing factors.
So, while I might make suggestions, or offer insights about what else to consider, I try not to stray onto the doctors turf. I'm also mindful that it's too easy to use advice from places like the forum as an excuse to avoid having something properly looked at.
So, if I suspect that there may be hidden danger, even at a low percentage, I remind folks to rule that out. At the very least, it gives me the comfort of knowing that whether or not my advice helped or not, at least it didn't hurt.
---------------
BTW - this is the part of the OP that has me the most concerned, especially combined with the other factors.
Last couple years riding the trainer in winter I've experienced this similar sensation almost the moment I begin working hard
I hate medical questions. Often a bike forum is the best place to get info on some oddball issues, because we know more about bikes and our bodies than the average medical man.
But we walk a thin line between offering advice on managing a problem, and actually offering medical advice. We're also handicapped because we never get anything coming close to a medical history, and so can't see what may be contributing factors.
So, while I might make suggestions, or offer insights about what else to consider, I try not to stray onto the doctors turf. I'm also mindful that it's too easy to use advice from places like the forum as an excuse to avoid having something properly looked at.
So, if I suspect that there may be hidden danger, even at a low percentage, I remind folks to rule that out. At the very least, it gives me the comfort of knowing that whether or not my advice helped or not, at least it didn't hurt.
---------------
BTW - this is the part of the OP that has me the most concerned, especially combined with the other factors.
Last couple years riding the trainer in winter I've experienced this similar sensation almost the moment I begin working hard
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-14-17, 06:03 PM
#11
Rouleur
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies.
The numbness is definitely not nerve, or muscular skeletal. It's completely tied to hard effort that gets my heart pumping and it can happen any time, even when walking up stairs. It definitely feels like a lack of oxygen, like my arm isn't getting enough blood.
Just to give you guys some more information on me. Like I said I'm fat, but I feel like I'm pretty fit, last year my FTP was around 270, and this winter I never tested it, but it was probably around 230. Not that great for my weight, but good enough where I can ride with most people unless it's super hilly.
Been on Spring break this week, did a big 30 mile mountain bike ride Wednesday, felt great and never experienced the feeling.
Today I did 15 miles of tough trails with a group, I stayed near the back and right from the beginning I felt the weakness, tightness, and pain in my left arm. About hour and half in it seemed to go away, and in the last hour no one could stay with me and I felt amazing.
About an hour after the ride, it's like my brain is in a fog, walking up steps blows me out. Mild headache, and just feel generally super weak.
I talked to one of my friends and he said he never feels like that after any ride, but I've always thought it was normal.
The numbness is definitely not nerve, or muscular skeletal. It's completely tied to hard effort that gets my heart pumping and it can happen any time, even when walking up stairs. It definitely feels like a lack of oxygen, like my arm isn't getting enough blood.
Just to give you guys some more information on me. Like I said I'm fat, but I feel like I'm pretty fit, last year my FTP was around 270, and this winter I never tested it, but it was probably around 230. Not that great for my weight, but good enough where I can ride with most people unless it's super hilly.
Been on Spring break this week, did a big 30 mile mountain bike ride Wednesday, felt great and never experienced the feeling.
Today I did 15 miles of tough trails with a group, I stayed near the back and right from the beginning I felt the weakness, tightness, and pain in my left arm. About hour and half in it seemed to go away, and in the last hour no one could stay with me and I felt amazing.
About an hour after the ride, it's like my brain is in a fog, walking up steps blows me out. Mild headache, and just feel generally super weak.
I talked to one of my friends and he said he never feels like that after any ride, but I've always thought it was normal.
04-15-17, 05:00 PM
#12
Senior Member
No you shouldn't feel like that after a ride. After a ride I feel on top of the world! I feel like I could go again. I probably couldn't but...
Because it's been with you for so long I'd tend to think it's some sort of abnormality, a valve not working properly in the heart, arteriosclerosis, even like a previous poster mentioned a funny anatomy of veins or arteries. I definitely don't think you should be cycling 90 minutes with it though without getting these checked out. An exercise stress test followed by an echo and then an angiogram would be my advice. A lot of places near me do a deal now for a heart check up for a couple hundred quid minus the angiogram but I'd definitely get that done to show up any blockages or abnormalities.
Because it's been with you for so long I'd tend to think it's some sort of abnormality, a valve not working properly in the heart, arteriosclerosis, even like a previous poster mentioned a funny anatomy of veins or arteries. I definitely don't think you should be cycling 90 minutes with it though without getting these checked out. An exercise stress test followed by an echo and then an angiogram would be my advice. A lot of places near me do a deal now for a heart check up for a couple hundred quid minus the angiogram but I'd definitely get that done to show up any blockages or abnormalities.
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