Loss of grip from cycling?

Question
I'm not sure what kind of doc specialises in this - but basically i just started cycling about a week ago. A couple of days after my first ride i noticed that my right hand cannot grip things as well as it used to, eg holding a tootbrush when brushing my teeth or even unlocking a door. I'm not sure what's happening and its quite worrying!

Answer
Hi,

Sounds like you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Any GP can help with the diagnosis of the problem and then will likely send you on to an Orthopedic Surgeon or a physician that specializes in sports medicine. It is basically an overuse injury.

Could also be Ulnar Palsy, check out this article, then see a physician.
http://www.hughston.com/hha/a_15_3_2.htm

I am guessing that you had not rode a bike in quite a while and that you did not wear cycling gloves, is that correct. On my first ever century ride I forgot to remove my rings and when I got about 85 miles out I couldn't move two fingers on my hand. After some rest it started recovering and in about a month it was fine.

What you need to do is first get a pair of cycling gloves, as well as padded grips or some good bar tape, then quit riding for a week or so and allow that to heal up, you can use RICE which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation to treat it, but also go check with your physician to verify that there is any permanent damage.

Hope this helps have a great day

Jerry