hand cramps
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 45
From: Florida
Not sure whats your ride, but are your grips too small? Unfortunately the last bike I purchased (15 Ultra Limited Low) came with smaller diameter grips. With those grips my hands cramp up on long runs. I don't have that problem while riding my other bikes that have the larger diameter Kuryakyn ISO grips.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
I was having a similar problem, but also have a little arthritis in my knuckles. The standard grips cause some cramping and a lot of pain in the knuckles. I found some foam grip covers that make the grips about 3/8 inch bigger in diameter. These have stopped almost all hand cramps and pain.
I think they were from a company called Ride On, but it's been several years since I bought them. They got moved to my new SGS last year.
I think they were from a company called Ride On, but it's been several years since I bought them. They got moved to my new SGS last year.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton
I appreciate the responses. I don't think this is a glove issue or a grip issue. I've been riding bikes for 45 years, and this is a new thing entirely. Out of several bikes I've had it happen on my '14 Road King and my '12 Kawasaki Concours.
Now the medication question is worth exploring I think. Might also be worth looking into things that people have used to help with cramps such as magnesium and calcium. I've also wondered about the question of warmth. Since getting some medical treatment last year I've noticed my hands seem colder than they ever have been.
Anyone have any thoughts on the medication or heat angle?
Now the medication question is worth exploring I think. Might also be worth looking into things that people have used to help with cramps such as magnesium and calcium. I've also wondered about the question of warmth. Since getting some medical treatment last year I've noticed my hands seem colder than they ever have been.
Anyone have any thoughts on the medication or heat angle?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
There are many causes of hand cramps related to poor blood flow, rheumatoid arthritis, dehydration and Vitamin D or potassium deficiency. A loss of body fluids and electrolytes can cause cramping in the body, to include the hands. Hand cramps from acute causes can often be eliminated with proper hydration, and adjustments to the diet that include Vitamin D and potassium supplements. Sports drinks like gatorade can also be useful to restore electrolyte imbalances. Prescription medications such as Plaquenil are available as well. I have some RA in both hands with some of the symptoms you describe. The potassium, vitamin D, and electrolytes helped me. Did not take any of the Rx meds so can't speak to their effectiveness.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
I don't have a cramping problem but sometimes my left hand fingers "lock" and I have to stop and use my right hand to extend them.I think it's a condition called "trigger finger",very unpleasant.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
I have cramps in my hands a lot riding or not. Solutions: Lots of fluids, bananas, and dill pickle juice. You will probably notice that your cramps are worse when you haven't had enough to drink.
Bill
Bill
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Gripswell Gloves work pretty good for numbness, not sure what they would do for your issues.....
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 45
From: Florida
On the side of caution, I believe you should get a stress test and or blood circulation test to be on the safe side. I'm not a doctor, but it could be a blood circulation issue. This comes from a heart attack survivor.