Tips for Safe Bike Riding this Summer

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If you are getting back into bike riding this summer and are experiencing some
discomfort in your hands–or even general weakness with gripping or pinching–here
are some things to look for and things to avoid.

Cyclists can often put pressure on the palms of their hands while riding for any amount of distance. If the pressure, however mild it may be, is persistent, it may cause nerve compression, most likely at the ulnar side of the palm or Guyon’s canal. This is where the ulnar nerve becomes vulnerable when it enters the hand from the wrist. This can lead to achiness in the hands and, if continued over time, will lead to weakness with gripping and fine motor activities. Wearing padded cycling gloves that protect this area of your palms or leaning less on the arms while you ride can help to reduce this issue.

Another area of concern is pain or pressure through the forearms while biking. Some cyclists will have too heavy of a grip and/or the elbows locked while riding. This positioning and muscle tension can cause radial nerve compression and pain throughout the forearm. This typically causes point tenderness on the dorsal (top) side of the forearm just below the elbow area. Relaxing your grip and bending and stretching
the wrist and elbows while you ride can help reduce these issues and symptoms.

There are many things you can do to protect your upper extremities this summer. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@alexrehabmn) to see more tips from Alex Rehab!

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Amos Hartsell

Amos is the owner and provider at Alexandria Rehabilitation. Amos has vast expertise in traumatic hand injury rehab as well as common repetitive work-related and general injuries.

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