I've only gotten arm pump once in the 17 years I've been riding so this question isn't really based toward it. I did though today have problems gripping the bike after an hour or so of riding. I wasn't physically tired anywhere else, just could grip it and pulling the clutch was painful in the hand. Basically that's what was holding me back so my question is what can I do to help this? Ride more isn't an option cause I ride as much as possible. Are there exercises? Maybe those spring clamp things that are supposed to work your forearm?

Khris

Your pain in your hand doesn't sound like typical arm pump. First, check ANYTHING that is different from what you're used to; new grips, gloves, jersey, levers, conditions, attitude, etc. Arm pump feels like your hands, or forearms are getting swollen and numb. It's not actually painful, it just makes you super tight, and slows you down. If you're actually experiencing pain, you might have an injury that requires a doc's assistance. If you can give more detail, I might be able to make some suggestions. Let me know.

Yeah, It wasn't arm pump. It was only on my clutch hand. It's hard to explain, it may just be from the fact that I hadn't ridden the track in 4 months, been spending every weekend in the desert. I think I was just gripping too tight. If it happens again next trip to the track I'll worry about it a little more...
Khris

I think you may be holding on too tight (Death Grip). I have experienced that same feeling during 3 hour hare scrambles and believe it to be me hanging on for life. I was getting some arm pump earlier in the year but switched to the Renthal diamond grips that are a bit smaller in diameter. My dealer told me this may help combat the arm pump. It seemed to work but now I experience the pain in the clutch hand like you do. Sometimes it hurts so bad I cant let go of the grip even when I stop, and pulling in the clutch is a killer. I have now started using those hand springy things thinking maybe they will strenthen my hands. I have yet to race after only using them for 3 weeks (I keep a set in my car) but it cant hurt. If anyone else has any suggestions let us here them, I need all the help I can get.

Had something like that happen to me after two hours of moto practice and all I could figure is that it was dehydration.

Oh man, I can picture it now. talking on the phone, drinking the coffee, flipping off drivers, and pumping away on those springy things while driving to work!!!!

It's funny cause yesterday was the first time I'd experienced it. At the desert I'm barely holding on to the bars they actually kinda bounce in my hands. Yesterday though I know I was holding on so that is probably what it was.

Khris

I have had something close to what you guys are talking about only it's in my right arm. It feels like it's in the muscles right next to the bone. I usually rub on it and it helps. I was getting arm pump bad until a friend told me to 1st keep my adjustment strap on my glove loose and 2nd relax my grip while I'm in the air. I started doing both and it's helped.
696

Sounds like the beginning of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! Eat anti inflammatory drugs. Adjust the angle of your clutch! It sucks when you cant hold on to anything!

Hey guys,
Ice those areas after riding, and take Glucosamine and Condroitin. They're key ingredients in any of the "Joint-fuel"-type products, and really work to help repair the connective tissues. I had stressed a shoulder out in the weightroom back in '96, and couldn't do any pressing movements for 6 months. I started taking G&C and the pain was gone in 2 weeks. Since then, I have run out of it several times, and usually end up stressing out one of my joints. I start taking the G&C again, and the pain is usually gone in just a few days. It absolutely works for me. Ask around.

FORGET THOSE SPRING CLAMP THINGS.I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TRIED THOSE,IT MADE IT WORSE.IT JUST SOUNDS LIKE NOT ENOUGH WATER. I TEND TO FORGET ABOUT DRINKING AND WIND UP WITH CRAMPS OR SPAZAMS.OH STRECH BEFORE RIDING THIS IS A BIG HELP.

Oh man, I'm only 25, I know my knees are already doomed in my future but don't scare me with carpel tundrel (is that right, I couldn't reference the thread for the appropriate name listed above, but I know what it is)... G&C huh, is that something I can pick up in the vitamin isle or something. I don't take any suppliments, pills, drugs, etc... other then advil for a hangover. That day at the track I was in 1.5 gallons of water, 4 of those larger size gatorades from 7-11, and one of those Rockstar drinks (red bull basically). I guess I may have been dehydrated a little I was there for 5 hours even though the pain started after about the first hour.

Khris

The Glucosamine/Chondroitin is available at almost any grocery and for sure any pharmacy. It might of helped an anle of mine a few years ago, but it is hard to tell. It still hurts anyway. Try it, it might help! Regarding the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, if this is what you are starting to suffer it sucks. I had some minor inflammation in mine from riding bicycles, I couldnt hold a cup of coffee! My hand would just let go. It would ache in the wrist not the joint but internally. It went away, but it wasnt from anything I did, more like what I didnt do. I didnt do anything for a while! Good Luck and use a lot of ice! It didnt help me but if you are catching it early enough it might.

Fastest1,

I sitting here with a pulled knee (bent it sideways after casing a triple), a mucked up shoulder (after being run over) and other misc. minor pains....... is the Gluc./Chon. a vitamin? I'm already taking multi-vitamins and I don't want to OD (ha ha). JED