The human anatomy is a wonderful phenomenon with a lot to learn and discover about. Today, we take a look at the elbow nerve (nervus ulnaris) and the injury caused by overuse on this nerve, namely cyclist's hand. Does cyclist's hand only occur in cyclists? How do you recognise this complaint and how best to get this injury treated?
What is a cyclist's hand?
The name says it all! This injury is caused by making a prolonged leaning movement with the hands, combined with a strong flexion position of the wrists. A flexion where it looks like gripping a handlebar. Extra pressure is placed on the nerve, pinching the blood vessels and nerves. This results in painful, tingling and numb hands.
A cyclist's hand mainly occurs in long-distance cycling and excessive/little training, but it can also occur in karate, tennis and baseball (during catching).
Many causes that cause cyclist's hand are:
- Firm hand work with regular vigorous bending and stretching of the elbow.
- Repetitive staggering of the nerve across the bony protrusion of the elbow.
- A fracture of the wrist, cyst from the joint or due to a thrombosis in a blood vessel along the nerve in the tunnel.
Symptoms of a cyclist's hand
Blockage of the elbow nerve (nervus ulnaris) can cause a nasty, painful and tingling sensation on the little finger side of the hand. This sensation extends to the ring finger and the back of the hand. We call this paresthesias. When the nerve is under pressure for a longer period of time, numbness and loss of strength in the hand also often occurs. Once there are long-term symptoms, muscle deterioration may occur in extreme cases. This causes thinning of the hand muscles on the little finger side of the hand.
Prevention and treatment of a cyclist's hand
By removing the pressure that plays on the hand, most symptoms will go away on their own. In rehabilitation, it may take from a few minutes to a few days for the symptoms to subside. However, in severe cases, it can also happen that it can take several months for the injury to fully recover. However, it may happen that symptoms remain longer than expected, no matter how much rest you take. In this case, it is wise to consult our physiotherapists.
Fertsers hand through cycling
To avoid a cyclist's hand when cycling, it is essential to buy good gloves, thicker handlebars and a thicker handlebar tape. In addition, better posture on the bike and proper bike adjustment are essential. Pedalling harder is also effective in preventing tingling fingers. When you start pedalling harder, you also pull harder on the bike, strengthening your grip. Also, try to change hand position regularly during a bike ride to avoid the injury.
A cyclist's hand through tennis
To prevent this injury in tennis, a lighter racket with a better grip can have a potentially positive effect. This will reduce the pressure on the nerve.
A cyclist's hand through karate
In the case of karate, it is advisable to avoid training where the hand receives frequent blows. Alternate this with other exercises where the hand receives less harsh to no blows.
A cyclist's hand through baseball
Do you play baseball and need to catch? Then, at the moment of a cyclist's hand, it is wise to choose a different position in the field. Because these problems usually occur when catching the ball.
Suffering from sore, sensitive and tingly fingers? Then contact Friskfysio
Should you suffer from the above symptoms, we can of course advise and help with this. From Friskfysio, we can advise on how to prevent injuries like a cyclist's hand. Would you like to make an appointment or get more information about this injury? Then please take contact with us, or call 085-5000333 or send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl and we will be happy to help you!
