Handlebar Palsy For Bikers

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --If you are a bike rider, there are many things to be concerned about from a health standpoint. Things like wearing a helmet, reflective clothing at dusk or dawn and keeping the bike in proper running condition.

But another key concern you may not have heard of is handlebar palsy.

The problem is particularly serious in mountain bikers. When you grip the handle bars, the repeated shocks that occur when you bounce over terrain can cause this so-called handlebar palsy.

The name accurately describes the problem. Handlebar palsy has several symptoms: numbness, tingling, pain in the arms and wrist, even the little finger.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has suggestions like make sure your bike is the right fit for your size, wear padded gloves and pad your handlebars and sit in a more upright position.

The goal is to put less weight and pressure on your hands and wrists.