Numbness in hands and fingers while cycling?Feelings of numbness in the ring finger and little finger are caused by high pressure on the outside of the hand. Numbness in the index finger, middle finger and thumb indicate a high load on the carpal tunnel. SQlab grips can provide relief due to a wing placed far on the outside. |
CAUSES of numbness
High pressure on the outside
Lateral, overstretched wrist
Pressure on the carpal tunnel exit
High pressure on the outside
Cause - high pressure on the outside of the hand
numbness in the ring and the little finger
SQlab Solution
Grips with a SQlab relief wing
Numbness in the ring finger and little finger is caused by excessive pressure on the outside of the hand. Pressure measurements show that the maximum pressure usually occurs on the outside of the hand. At this point the ulnar nerve runs, which is responsible for the sensitivity of the ring finger and the small finger. In order to reduce the pressure on the outside of the hand, we at SQlab have made the contact surface as large as possible. The grip was flattened at the top and pulled forwards and backwards so that, depending on the area of use, the surface is as large as possible.
Lateral, overstretched wrist
Cause - laterally overstretched wrist
numbness in the index finger, middle finger or thumb
SQlab Solution
handlebar with more backsweep for a natural hand position
The cause of numbness in the forefinger, middle finger or thumb is an overstretched lateral wrist, which can narrow the carpal tunnel. Similar to a kinked garden hose, through which no more water flows, the nerve information can no longer be transported through the narrowed carpal tunnel. This "bend" is usually caused by a too straight handlebar with too little bend to the rear (backsweep). Sports physicians recommend a stronger bend of the handlebar to the rear in order to achieve a straight transition from the forearm to the hand.This “backsweep” creates a rearward curve so that the wrist is not over stretched and the carpal tunnel is no longer restricted, thus relieving the hand and improving its position. This minimizes the risk of numb fingers and discomfort in the thumb, index and middle finger.
16° Backsweep
stretched out riding position, Hardtail, Racefully
- Ideal for marathons and long mountain bike tours
- The 16° backsweep provides a natural transition from the lower arm to the hand when in a more stretched riding position
- The Upsweep determines the elbow position for an active riding style
- Three different heights allowing individualized riding positions
- Also available in carbon
12° Backsweep
upright riding position, All Mountain, Enduro
- Perfectly complements the gravity biker
- The 12° backsweep with its short reach provides a natural transition from the lower arm to the hand when in a more upright riding position thus protecting the wrist from the extreme strain occurring in downhill riding
- The 4° Upsweep determines the elbow position for an active riding style
- Three different heights allowing individualized riding positions
- Also available in carbon
Pressure on the carpal tunnel exit
Cause -high pressure on the carpal tunnel outlet
numbness in the index finger, middle finger or thumb
Relief wing loads the carpal tunnel exit
Wide relief wing on the outside - Carpal tunnel exit is free
SQlab Solution
Relief of the carpal tunnel exit by means of a relief wing placed far outwards
Cause is too high pressure on the carpal tunnel exit, often caused by relieving wings, which relieve the ulnar nerve, but under unfavorable circumstances load the median nerve. A very sensitive area, which can usually be relieved by selecting the correct handle bar sweep for a straight transition from lower arm to hand. Here we should also pay special attention that this area is pressure relieved! The unloading wing must be placed as far outside as possible to keep the carpal tunnel exit largely free and reduce the pressure. Already easy, but constantly recurring pressure, over a long period of time, can lead to problems such as a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In addition, the far outer placement of the relief wing improves the grip security, especially when supporting to the front.
