Cycling UK Forum

Using flat bars and Ergon GP5s I’ve began to experience a locking-up sensation in the joints of my RH fingers 4&5, between the metacarpals and proximal phalanges. My fingers lock in a closed/grasping position. With a little force they unlock so it’s not a permanent thing.

I wondered if resting fingers 2&3 on my brake levers; ready for use is a factor.

I’ll research this further but I wondered if anyone else has experienced this sensation after riding.

Thanks

Does it resemble these descriptions of trigger finger?

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigger-finger/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_finger

If it does then we can discuss possible causes and interventions.

Jonathan

Could it be Dupuytren's contracture?
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/dupuytrens-disease/

It could be, but I wouldn't rush to that.

Jonathan

Anything that involves just those two fingers, with the rest normal, sounds like an ulnar nerve/cubital tunnel problem.

Those two fingers also have their own tendons with their own sheaths.

Most cases of trigger finger are not found to be caused by nerve damage.

Jonathan

Many thanks for the comments and links. I’m sure enough that it’s not either Dupuytrens or trigger finger. Looking more closely at my grip I think it’s a strain issue. I mostly ride with fingers 2&3 ready but resting on my brake lever. This leaves fingers 4&5 undertaking a more gripping and steering function than is ‘natural’ This in turn might suggest refining my riding posture, perhaps so there’s a little less weight transference down my arm on to my hand. That said my LH function is entirely normal.
I’m going to try rotating the GP5 grip a little to see a change will address the issue. As many will know Ergon GP5s have a kind of tear drop shape that you can rest the palm of your hand upon.

I’ll post again when I have an ‘aha’ moment ( not in an Alan Partridge sense though!)

Thanks again, really appreciated.

Change your gloves.