Index Finger Problem

[Air_Force_Trials]

Hey guys I need a little insight on this problem wich i just developed about two weeks ago and it is bugging the crap out of me. Anyways the tip of my left index finger, the brake lever finger, has just lost a lot of its muscle strength. I can still move it but I can't squeeze the brake lever with the tip of my finger. I have to wrap my whole finger around it and this doesn't allow me to control the brake lever very well. I also have a tightness sensation on the inside part of my forearm near the elbow. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem or not. I have looked on the interenet but most problems I see are the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and it usually says there is pain involved which I do not have. I know it seems like a minor problem but I really can't ride very well or at least use the front brake. I'm probably going to have to go see the doctor for this unless it gets better on its own.

[Sondre]

I think your brake is to hard to squeeze(sp?lol)

Get a vee, yes

[Air_Force_Trials]

Its not the brake, and I am using Vees. I used to be able to squeeze the brake lever fine.

[jmlora]

I've had that kind of issue when I get nervous at the comps. It seems as if I can't brake any more with the tip of my finger, so I have to "clamp" my finger to the lever so I can brake, giving NO modulation at all!!.
I believe this thing is called Arm Pump, and it happens for pushing the limits of your forearm when you're not fit enough, loosing all the strength in your hand/arm. MX guys suffer from this from time to time and it seems to hurt real bad. I don't suffer from too much pain...the only pain is not being able to ride right!!

[Air_Force_Trials]

Well does it go away after a while? You said you get it when you get nervous so is it ok now or do you still have the problem? It really makes me feel like not riding because I can't do a lot of things. I really hope mine goes away and gets better, I guess I'd better go to a doctor.

[brian_E]

wow..

it's lactic acid building up in yo sticks.. or arm pump.. the only "cure" is to ride more and stay hydrated..

[bushlawyer]

yeh i have contant issues with my index fingers, ankles, achilies tendon,
trials is a bit rough on the old body.

im learning to stretch more. i am getting old.

[darkside]

Arm pump is something that developes durring a ride. Sounds like this is something that's always a problem, even after rest? See a doctor. Don't rely on a forum for a medical diagnosis.

[modtire]

Ray,

Try varying your lever position (angle and throw) a little at a time and see of anything helps.

Also come over to Seattle, then everything will be fine...

[spoke2570]

Get a six-pac (cans). Remove one beer and consume.

Tie the open loop of the holder about the weak digit and do ten reps with the remaining cans still in.

Remove another beer and repeat.

After two or three six-pacs you should no longer notice the problem.

pete b

[Povi]

also try getting thinner grips. this helped me greatly to get rid of arm pump. if you want really thin grips get some bar tape or tennis racquet tape. thats what i've done and it works a treat

[jmlora]

Well does it go away after a while? You said you get it when you get nervous so is it ok now or do you still have the problem? It really makes me feel like not riding because I can't do a lot of things. I really hope mine goes away and gets better, I guess I'd better go to a doctor.

My problem only happens when I'm nervous or when riding a long section with almost no rest. But all that goes away after a rest or if the section doesn't push my arms so hard.
Basically, my issues don't last too long and when I go to ride with my friends, I'm totally fine. You should see a doctor since you seem to be troubled a lot with the pain.

Also, thin grips (bar tape and such), correct lever angle (lever being closer to an horizontal position rather than an agressive "look down" angle like most people ride) and more throw (longer movement of the lever blade, ie: when locking the brake, the lever blade should be closer to your fingers than away from them. Carefull you don't squish your paw) will deff help you

[caleb1978]

Have you been working out your upper body much lately? I would say with your work out level you may have over used the tendons. If you don't want to see the doc, I would suggest not working out, or riding for a few days. You can develop tendinitis in any tendon from over use. The problem is other then rest there are really not many options for tendons. 1- 10, how much pain when ridding, and before and after a ride?

[Edge]

Get a six-pac (cans). Remove one beer and consume.

Tie the open loop of the holder about the weak digit and do ten reps with the remaining cans still in.

Remove another beer and repeat.

After two or three six-pacs you should no longer notice the problem.

pete b
best advice yet.

[greyghost]

I've seen a lot of misalignments of the radius on the ulna in mountain bikers, you can get a chiropractor to check that out, and it should be inexpensive

Find a local Neuromuscular therapist and have 'em go in there and release some of the superficial and deep flexors of the forearm.

Ice it......watch your diet for inflammatory stuff (alcohol, sugar, flour, etc), and it should go away.......Don't go overboard with the riding, give it some rest

I wouldn't recommend a doctor for this one, you'll probably just be sent off with anti-inflammatories

[Bryan]

Sounds like tendonitis

Or polythelia

[MIKE1968]

Stop being a pussy and ignore it , HARDEN UP.

[mikesnow]

detached tendon? i dunno i personally would go to the doc unless greyghost is an md, then who knows probably good..... sounds like it might be worth the trip, doubt it's gonna go away anytime soon...

[cousinkenni]

Stop being a pussy and ignore it , HARDEN UP.


I agree with andy....quit being a litle girl!!!!

BTW, WhereTF are you now???? in the northwest???? do you have to go back to Afgan? Coming home to Hawaii anytime soon????

[Air_Force_Trials]

Damn, this was from a long time ago. I have healed up since then. Its wierd i started doing these stretching exercises with my finger, i'd hold onto a weight and i'd feel a slight pull on the muscles. Now its all good.
Caleb, yeah i'm taking a break from riding because of my shoulders. I think they are getting better.
Ken, i'm still in spokane, wa. Just got back from deployment. I'm looking to go to hawaii in nov. if my work will let me. Hopefully they will as I want to try a lot of the old obstacles. I think i have improved since the last time i was there.

[Bryan]

I didn't even notice that this thread was over a year old.
holy shit

[Julien]

I wouldn't recommend a doctor for this one, you'll probably just be sent off with anti-inflammatories

The doctor should not be practicing if he did this because he is evidently not keeping up with the latest research and recommendations. You might have quite a few dodgy doctors in the States, and I must admit it is probably no different in Australia.

As for most of the advice on here, most people have no idea what they are talking about, so I would suggest to avoid it. The only advice I'm going to give on here is if it persists see a Sports Physician.

[TRA]

i dont think doctors can help you , what you do is to relax as much as possible for 1 week and then try to ride again, it can be as simple as that you have broken down the muscles and not giving em time to rebuild etc .

Relaxing is probably the best thing .

[brian_E]

i dont think doctors can help you , what you do is to relax as much as possible for 1 week and then try to ride again, it can be as simple as that you have broken down the muscles and not giving em time to rebuild etc .

Relaxing is probably the best thing .

you're fired.

[Air_Force_Trials]

Well the problem is I deployed for two months and could not ride but I was going to the gym almost everyday. then when I got back i realized that trials uses totally different muscles and its a different kind of cardio. So I think since my shoulder wasn't used to the trials type motions I injured it and got to wait now till it heals.