The hand numbness many of us experience, especially those of us in the later years, is technically called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). There are many causes for CTS, not all from riding bikes. Ours is caused by irritation of the Median Nerve brought about by the fixed position of the hand/wrist when holding the throttle and the high frequency vibration of the engine transmitted through the throttle grip.
The Median Nerve is one of three that enter the hand through the wrist. This nerve enters on the palm side of the wrist through an anatomic "tunnel" whose dimensions can become altered for a variety of reasons (thyroid disesae, diabetes, pregnancy, amyloidosis and trauma). On occasion, the ulnar nerve (funny bone) can exhibit the same symptoms at the side of the wrist that involves the 4th and 5th fingers. This is called Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome. The third nerve, the Radial Nerve is rarely affected in this way. Chronic irriation of the Median nerve can cause persistent tingling, numbness, burning, strength loss and muscle wasting in those muscles innervated by the Median Nerve. In these cases, picking up or manipulating small objects (for instance coins), buttoning buttons and writing can all be adversely affected.
Protection from this syndrome has been well discussed and has various solutions. Basically anything that relaxes the grip and changes the possition of the wrist is enough. In cases where the problem remains chronic, medical and/or surgical intervention should be undertaken in an effort to preserve nerve and hand function.
So, don't be too macho for your own good. If you have numbness and tingling or burning in your throttle hand, fess up and do something the alleviate it for the protection and preservation of your hand.

If you have any other medical questions, come visit me at AllExperts.com in General Medicine (let me know if your from this board)
Charles Cusumano, PA-C, FMP
Physician Assistant Certified
Family Medicine Practitioner

 

A friend of mine has this with his StreetBob, but when he rides his EGC he doesn't have a problem..

Thanks Charles!

Personally, I'll be blaming all my CTS on the 'puter I use for work. Riding can't possibly be doing it!!!!

 

Are we soliciting?

 

I don't see it as soliciting.

I will let this one stay.

This is good information.

 

wasn't dr. cusumano tony soprano's neighbor???

 

lmfao @ old hippie!!!!!

 

Thanks, Grover! This is something important to all of us as we age.

 

Seems I may have unintendedly violated forum rules. Not my intention at all. I appologize for this as I am not trolling in any sense of the word.

 

Not at all I found the information helpful. I suffer from the problem.

 

I didn't take it as trolling.

Thanks for posting the information.