The 4 most common causes of sore hands
1. ulnar nerve pinched
With many handlebar and grip combinations, the greatest pressure is on the outer ball of the hand and therefore on the area where the ulnar nerve passes through. If the wrists are also strongly bent (as is usually the case with straight handlebars), the problem can worsen. Typically, it then tingles or hurts in the ring and little finger.
2. median nerve pinched
The median nerve can be a source of problems in the centre of the hand. Together with tendons, it runs through the carpal tunnel, which can also be affected by irritation of this nerve (see below). The main cause is excessive pressure in the area of the carpal ligament. The thumb, middle and index fingers can then feel numb or weakened.
3. carpal tunnel syndrome
Prolonged compression and irritation of the median nerve can trigger this symptom. The tissue in the carpal tunnel, through which the nerve runs, swells, causing it to become even more constricted. The fingers or hands then feel numb not only during or after cycling, but permanently, often at night too. In extreme cases, the muscles in the thumb can regress.
4. cervical spine syndrome
The hands are supplied by spinal nerves that emerge from the cervical spine. If the head is overstretched due to a flat sitting position on the bike, these nerves are constricted and become irritated. This can lead to neck tension and orthopaedic changes that radiate into the hands. Tingling fingers, falling asleep or numb hands can therefore also be caused by problems with the cervical spine.
