Hand Cramping

[JJDT]

It is been a while now that I want to ask this question but keep on forgetting.

 

My issue is that on the outside of my left hand it feels like cramping. Riding longer distances on the road bike I feel it but my right hand is fine.

 

On the MTB it is far worse especially going down fast descents or a technical descent. Yesterday afternoon went for a quick ride with my friends and at the tech descent when I got to the bottom my left hand was in agony especially the muscle on the side of the hand. When climbing or flats the hand is fine.

 

Had bike fitment done on both Road Bike and MTB about 2 years ago.

 

Is it just stress doing the descents that I subconciously grip the handle bar more tightly on the MTB or need I do a refresh bike fitment on both bikes again?

[duanelr]

I would say re-do bike fitment. Remember your body changes over the years.  Some bike fitment places offer cheaper or even free re-evaluations. They'll certainly look at bar height and bar position. This should make a difference already. Also change your grips, specifically increase the diameter or get grips with palm support. I find my hands work harder gripping a smaller grip like an ESI chunky vs an ESI extra chunky.  When doing ultra events I fit my grips with palm support. Then possibly look at solutions off the bike - increase your forearm strength, increase your grip strength. Maybe even see a physio, there might be an unbalance somewhere forcing your hands to work harder then they have to because you're compensating for something. 

[Spirog]

On the road bike, get your bars double wrapped. That will increase the diameter and soften the vibrations from the road.

 

And, when you're felling tense on the bike, play piano with your fingers, it relaxes your hands, arms and shoulders.

[stefmeister]

If it's on the outside of your hand, specifically your pinky and ring finger then it's most likely your ulnar nerve giving you issues. You're either pinching it somewhere or the impacts are causing it.

 

If it's only whilst you're riding then something like setup changes could probably sort it out, like different grips, handlebar setup (increased stack, or a new bar with less sweep). If you're like me and it hurts still long after the ride, then you should give it some rest and anti-inflammatory.