Injuries of the motorcyclist

Carpal Tunnel

Motorcyclists are those most prone to suffer wrist injury, known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The cause of the lesion is to identify several factors: repetitive movements, vibration of the handlebar, the pressure on the wrist joint for a prolonged period of time and the constant use of the wrists to control friction and acceleration. These mechanisms cause repeated pressures that accumulate at the same point and injury to the wrist joint.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is given by continuous pressure on the median nerve. The tissue in the tunnel becomes inflamed, becoming edematous and swollen.

Among the symptoms: tingling, muscle weakness of the hand and pain.

Among the most common injuries are: strain injury trapeze occurs when the arms are very high and elongated; the lesion from overloading the anterior tibialis is caused when the motorcyclist, along a road with many curves, overloaded the left foot on the gear lever; the lesion of the sciatic nerve arises from poor posture; the lesion from epicondylitis occurs in case of repetitive movements of wrist extension and supination of the forearm.

To prevent the many injuries described, it is good first of all to review the mechanical trim of the bike: control the vibrations of the handlebar and balance the wheels.

Wearing gloves of the right size and with padding in the palms will provide a feeling of softness and comfort while holding the handlebar.

Even wearing clothing of the correct size can be useful: in this way blood circulation is not hindered and veins are not blocked inside the carpal tunnel.

It is important to adopt a correct posture with relaxed arms, elbows flexed avoiding to dump all the weight on the wrists.

Place the palms of the hands on the handles making them match harmoniously with the inclination of the handlebar.

It is also a good habit to perform a stretching session before training to prepare the joint and after training to relieve overload on the wrists.

In case of acute pain it is good to consult a specialist for a more thorough visit. If the symptoms described are present it is good to follow the treatment as directed by the doctor; this will allow you to return to driving in a shorter period of time.