Carpal tunnel syndrome

[1tinindian]

Anyone here currently riding with Carpal tunnel syndrome?
I have been tested and have a moderate to severe case and it shows about 20 minutes in to a ride.
I know surgery is in my future, but I wa wondering if anyone suffers from this and has found ways of reducing the pain and numbness associated with this problem.

I never really had problems riding my GS1100L Suzuki because of the position of the bars, but I so much more prefer the FJ in almost every other aspect, that I have considered selling the Suzuki, but won't if I can't find a way to better enjoy the FJ.

Any help or comments are welcome.

Thanks, Leon

[simi_ed]

Chiropractor. 

If they can't help. you can still have surgery.  I was ready to go under the knife in 1998. 

Instead, it's been chiro adjustments about 1x per month, and no scars.

[racerman_27410]

foam super bike grips (cycle gear)     

a vista cruise so you can relax your hand anytime you like

and a good carb sync




Kookaloo!

[markmartin]

Leon,

Some members have installed bar risers--which may help.  This link http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1900.msg15494#msg15494 discusses a riser that has an adjustable position.  Of course you'll need to be able to clear the fairing at full lock....  There are other makes of risers out there.  I'm sure those that have them will chime in.

Mark

[andyb]

Reduce vibration, throttle lock, change your bar end weights (and possibly pack the bars with lead shot).

Biggest thing to help really is lighten your grip on the bars and possibly raise them a bit.

You can also wear a brace to immobilize it at night when you sleep, which may well help a bunch.  Works well for my mom, I haven't had to go that route yet.  When I was working with my hands a lot at work it was a semi-permanent condition, now it only bothers after long rides or if I spend the weekend in the garage wrenching.

A little ibuprofen/naproxen might do you a bit of good too, just be warned that long term you can tear your stomach up a bit.

[RichBaker]

The best solution is to get in shape.... we shouldn't be using our hands to support any weight at all. The back and abs, and thighs, as well, are what should be doing that job.....

[Zari]

You got that right Rich!   Hands as a guide, body as the wheel.  But some times my belly gets tired...

[Arnie]

Yeah, I had ops on both hands about 13years ago. (pre FJ).
Most of the suggestions others have made are helpful.
Some other things you can do -
Adjust your clutch and brake levers so you're only opening your hand, not reaching up and bending your wrist back.
Wear a skateboarder's wrist guard with the steel or plastic support.  Don't make it too tight, but it will help you keep your wrist straight.

As said, carb sync, extra weight at bar ends, relaxed grip, throttle lock, keep hydrated.

The operation is quicker and less invasive now than when I had mine done.  Recovery time is also much quicker.  If you are to the point that your hands are numb and you can't feel how much you're braking, you really ought to consider the knife.

Cheers,
Arnie

[fj1289]

Do a first gen FZ1 fork swap!  Keep the FZ1 top clamp - it mounts tubular handlebars you can swap out to whatever suits you AND they are rubber mounted. 

Talk about complications!  Capral tunnel leading to moditis!

[weymouth399]

I had CTS rode with hands that fell asleep. (for years) Tried all kinds of things some helped but nothing fixed it.
04 I had the left hand done best thing I have ever done for myself. Right hand had minor symptoms that I could live with.
This year the FJ did make my hand tingle even w/gel grips. So I  bought a set of grab-on condoms grips
this helped tremendously.
I did get my right hand done in November, since then have rode my FJ and my KX500 ice bike no tingles.
Life is good when you can hold on.

Biggest things that helped me.
Larger grips  (I have big hands) lessens grip pressure. helps loosen your grip
Fill bars with something, silicon, BBs
Be in a comfortable seating position on the bike, seat , bars, levers all are adjustable. 
All have good sugestions find the one for you.
Hope this helps
Bob W

[racerrad8]

Fill bars with something, silicon, BBs...

Bob W

Maybe a better option; http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2825.0

Randy - RPM

[Dan Filetti]

I have purpose-built grip tape on the knee cut-out of my fuel tank on the Gixxer specifically for wrist pain.  How you say?  When my wrists hurt, I remember to squeeze more with my knees, which in turn, has me rotating my hips slightly and tensing my back and stomach muscles a bit more which allows me to hold my upper body more with those muscles, as opposed to my wrists.  Seems to help.

Dan

[acman]

I had the surgery done 7 years ago,also had nerve entrapment in the elbow ,doing the nerve conductive test hurt like -ell ,was told most of the problem is caused from repetitive motion.

[Mark Olson]

I have purpose-built grip tape on the knee cut-out of my fuel tank on the Gixxer specifically for wrist pain.  How you say?  When my wrists hurt, I remember to squeeze more with my knees, which in turn, has me rotating my hips slightly and tensing my back and stomach muscles a bit more which allows me to hold my upper body more with those muscles, as opposed to my wrists.  Seems to help.

Dan

You are right, helps with the hand and wrist fatigue , also my trick is to go faster and let the wind blow you back to take the stress off your hands.

[1tinindian]

Fill bars with something, silicon, BBs...

Bob W

Maybe a better option; http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2825.0

Randy - RPM

Got mine in ther mail last night, Thanks Randy and Pat!
They look great, too bad I won't be able to test them myself for another 5 months!

Leon