RSI in ring finger

[musicbooks]

Hi,
Strange one this but wondering if it's possible to get RSI from braking!! I have developed some pain in the knuckle joints of the ring and little finger of my left hand and as I use the brakes a lot ( down very steep hills every day), could this be the reason. Is anyone else experiencing similar aches in their hands using the Agattu. I must admit that it seemed quite a stretch to use the brakes at first, but I have got used to them.( I haven't got unusually small hands).

Otherwise, I have the first signs of Athritis (I'm 44- so not a pleasant thought)
BW
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[Cyclezee]

Excuse the curiosity Musicbooks, but what is your profession, as it may have a bearing on your condition? Also could describe the pain in more detail?

J hn

 

[musicbooks]

Hi John,
I'm a university lecturer. I thought at first that I had strained my joints doing some hard landscaping on the garden in the summer. But the pain has persisted. It's just a slight twinge really but it is always there. There is no pain in the right hand ( and I am right handed) and I tend to use the ring finger for braking (as most people do), hence my concern that it is the bike.

BW
Tom
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[Cyclezee]

Tom,
I would doubt it is the brakes, particularly as it is not your dominant hand. I'm sure you are aware most people have a bias towards front wheel braking, applying the back brake slightly later and with less pressure than the front to prevent the rear wheel locking and causing a skid.
I would suggest seeking medical advice if the pain persists or gets worse.
Does cold weather agravate it and do you wear gloves?

J hn

 

[rosjen]

Seems you may have a problem with your Ulnar nerve, this nerve serves half of the ring finger the pinky, pad and the tiny scissor muscles in your hands ( does other things as well). I have it quite bad to the point where my left hand is useless for anything but basic grip. In my case it is caused from resting on my left elbow/forearm whilst I work (computers). The nerve can be be effected in many places where compression can occur, elbow, pad of hand, wrist, etc. Do you ride on your pads or do you grip? any funny handle bars or do you spend a lot of time resting on your elbow?

Rob

 

[Lloyd_50cycles]

Hi Music books,
Firstly, Ulnar-neuropathy is often caused in cyclists through pressure on the palm of the hand where the ulnar nerve passes close to a bone. To alleviate this try using a set of specialized gloves with body geometry pads. They are very effective at reducing pressure on that area whilst cycling. Not too expensive either. Secondly, I agree that the brakes shouldn't have anything to do with it, but as you said they are a bit far out for you, there is a small allen bolt on the inside of the brake lever that adjusts the bite point of the brake lever. You can adjust them to you personal preferences. Feel free to give me a call and I'll run you through how to do it.

Kind regards

Lloyd

 

[musicbooks]

Hi Music books,
Firstly, Ulnar-neuropathy is often caused in cyclists through pressure on the palm of the hand where the ulnar nerve passes close to a bone. To alleviate this try using a set of specialized gloves with body geometry pads. They are very effective at reducing pressure on that area whilst cycling. Not too expensive either. Secondly, I agree that the brakes shouldn't have anything to do with it, but as you said they are a bit far out for you, there is a small allen bolt on the inside of the brake lever that adjusts the bite point of the brake lever. You can adjust them to you personal preferences. Feel free to give me a call and I'll run you through how to do it.

Kind regards

Lloyd

Thanks Lloyd and everyone who has offered advice (tea and sympathy).

I'll look into altering the brakes, and I have recently bought padded cycling gloves so that may help. As I said, it's not that sore just always there as a twinge ( nothing like giving birth as my wife always reminds me every time I moan about pain I am experiencing).

Thanks again,

BW
Tom

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