Numb Hands.

[Spirited-6]

I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which affects the Medial Nerve. Has not been a real bad problem until lately . The last few rides my right hand went "DEAD" after 30 minutes in the saddle. Before I was able to shake it off and ride on, but these times I could not control the front brake with any degree of pressure. So, bottom line, I guess I`m going after a "Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery". I was wondering if anyone on the forum has had such a surgery and what was the recovery time. I must go after a fix of some kind if I want to continue riding bikes as I am not safe riding with a hand that won`t work the front brake. Anyone have advise ? TIA.
Don   

[Quicksilver]

My hands will go numb as well if I put weight on my hands while riding. My solution was to raise handle bars a bit so my weight shifted off the handlebars. An inch seemed to make all the difference. As to the operation, no idea. Good Luck.

[six2go #152]

My Wife had the Surgery on both wrists a few years ago. It's a piece of cake according to her. The procedure only takes about 15 min. When she had the 1st one done, we were home before her scheduled surgery time. The second one was done later in the day so she didn't get in quite as quickly. Can't tell ya exact time of recovery but it wasn't long at all. She was retired at the time so she wasn't too worried about being able to get back to work. 

[alph]

i only had that feeling when i test drove a harley.  (you're not riding a harely are you??)

[Michvalk]

I bought one of those slip on the grip palmrest thingies for longer rides. Have only used it when I went to Inzane, but, It worked good for me. The best part is I can take it off for short trips, and easily adjustable. REAL cheep help until you can get the surgury done

[Valker]

Had the surgery on the right one 12 years ago. Had the left one done this past year. What do you mean by recovery? I drove the same day and rode the bike pain free that same week, both times. I would not hesitate to have it done at all. That said, I have heard from two friends who had nerve problems after their surgery. I had a friend in Amarillo (a neurosurgeon who also took my brain tumor out four years ago) do it. I will not say other surgeons will be as good.
Day surgery both times. Only pain came from pushing down on something like the arms of a chair for a couple weeks afterward.

[Gangman036]

I'm having the same kind of problem. Especially with the throttle hand. One thing that helps get the feeling back is to open my hand as far as I can while the bottom of my palm operates the  ISO Thottle Boss, keeping me moving down the road. When I really notice it, I'm usually gripping too hard. Good luck with your proceedure and let us know how things turn out for you. I'm sure there are others out there that are having the same problem. Ride Safe.

[John Schmidt]

I used to get numbness but I did two things....#1. I installed 1 1/4" fat handlebars, and #2. I lowered/tilted them down so my hands address the grips at a natural angle. I already had risers that brought the bars back a couple inches farther and with the larger bars and lower grip angle I don't have a problem anymore. Rasing the grip end generally will create more pressure on the heel of the palm because it's not a natural angle for your hands and arms at rest. I'll ride all day long with no problem. For comparison Spirited...I'm within a couple years of you and I also hope to continue riding for quite some time, God willing.

I recently bought a new bicycle and had the same problem because of pressure on the hands and wrists. I bought a stem extender and mounted the bars roughly 2.5" higher and closer to me....problem gone. I can now go an hour or more and no tingling or numbness...except "down below." Guess I'll be looking for a different seat next, those skinny suckers aren't for me. Told the kid that sold the bike to me that my butt hadn't been that size since I was 3 mo. old. 

[Gator John]

I've had the same problem for about 10 years.  I find using a throttle rocker palm rest helps a lot because you are resting your hand on the throttle more than gripping it.  Also, having a throttle lock that allows you to completely take your hand off, if only for  a minute, give you time to move your hand around and get the feeling back.  Third suggestion: using your opposite hand, push back on the 3 middle fingers and hold it; doing 3 reps of 10 several times per day.  That will stretch the tendon out so it fits inside the sheath better and you'll find a reduction in the severity/ frequency of the problem.  After a few weeks, you should see an improvement. You can tell by how much farther you can bend your fingers back.    If all that doesn't give you satisfactory relief, then go under the knife.

[Steve K (IA)]

I've had Carpel Tunnel really bad for several years.  I have been getting the shots, but that is only prolonging the inevitable.  Just got shots (steroids) again 2 weeks ago and will get the surgery soon.  One hand at a time.

I wear wrist braces on both hands when I sleep.  Keeps them immobile.   That helps a lot.

[Spirited-6]

Thanks to all, great info and the best might be ;Third suggestion: using your opposite hand, push back on the 3 middle fingers and hold it; doing 3 reps of 10 several times per day.  That will stretch the tendon out so it fits inside the sheath better and you'll find a reduction in the severity/ frequency of the problem.  After a few weeks, you should see an improvement. You can tell by how much farther you can bend your fingers back. I have tried most all other things except this. I started on this today.   I will go for the release surgery if this does not help. Thanks again to all for the insight of this subject.  
Special thanks to John3XV1 for the above suggestion, the only thing I have not tried before.

What a great "forum" of folks. 

[Dave M]

Hi Don;I've been a member for quite a while now, and haven't been on the board, but when i saw your post, i thought i've got something to say about this.  I got both hands done two years ago, one week apart. Mine was considered severe, at about 9.5 on the nerve test. Other than a colonoscopy this was the next smartest decision i,ve made in years. As soon as i was out of anesthesia i could tell the difference, and the only regret that i had was not getting them both done at the same time.(that is not recommended for obvious reasons) It went that good.If your hands are going to sleep at night i highly recommend getting it done, especially if you have insurance or if it is work related.
                            This is a great forum, will post picture of my bike and shop when i figure out how.Dave M         

[2tonevalk]

From the surgical side of things.  I would not go with the "endoscopic" procedure for a couple of reasons.
First, if you do have carpal tunnel syndrome with a slowed EMG-NCV study, your best bet is to have an open release.  You can try several types of splints available, but they have very limited success.  Mostly they fail because people dont wear them.
Second, as far as open vs endoscopic, I have to say the surgical site of the open procedure is very small and heals quickly.  Also the endoscopic procedure has "fallen" out of grace due to the increased risk of cutting the nerve or nerve fibers. 
By doing the open procedure you have direct visualization of the nerve.
If I personally were having it done I would rather have the open procedure.
Best of luck and speedy recovery if you have it done.
Hope to see you at the Fall Color Ride.
Take care
Robert

[Valker]

BTW-my surgeries, both of them, were endoscopic. One doc said my second was too far gone for endoscopic, the surgeon said it would work...it worked great.

[Spirited-6]

DaveM, Welcome to the VRCC.  Thanks for your input.
2tonevalk and valker , your thoughts are welcome and helpful.
A lot of great info and a lot to consider.

Again thanks to all.
Don

[JOCK3]

thank you all for this thread,i do hope that you get the carpo tunnel syndrome sorted out with ease.I dont have CP but i do have 14 fractures in my hand,all the result of a fiery temper.Theses days especially in wet and cold conditions,my hand becomes stiff and uncomfortable,i was thinking of getting the throttle rocker,now im convinced that its part of the solution.thanks again for the thread

[croaker]

Throttle rocker makes for a more relaxed ride, regardless whether you have nerve impingement or not.  I'm so used to it now, it feels weird to ride without it.  I'm glad to hear that folks have had such favorable outcomes from surgery.  This may sound far outside the box, but I had all the symptoms of carpal tunnel several years ago.  I used to work out quite a bit with free weights and it turned out that the muscles in my forearm were not relaxing, even days after a workout.  Had a physical therapist dig in there hard to loosen the muscles and tendons.  it hurt like crazy, but the nerve pain went away.  Just something to consider...

[Karen]

I had similar problems when touring on a bicycle, and found that Gel gloves made the numbness stop. I use them on the motorcycle in warm weather, and don't have any more problems. just a thought for after the surgery, good luck!