How to Relieve the Motorcycle and Scooter Throttle Hand Pain
Fatigue due to using the throttle is a common malady if you happen to ride on a regular basis. Especially over a great amount of time. While for many years this was one of those issues that hard core riders considered a “grin and bear it” situation, modern medicine has discovered that there may in fact be medical reasons behind the pain and fatigue.
However your two wheeled transport’s throttle may be activated, either by twisting your wrist (on most motorcycles) or with a thumb lever (on many scooter and ATVs) the problem is the same.
To explain it, we need to leave the realm of the motorcycle (and scooter) culture. While it may seem strange, we need to go to an office building or a factory. Both of these places are notorious for repetitive motions. The same actions are repeated over and over again, day in and day out. Since the time before memory, these type of pains were “just part of the job”.
Modern medicine has isolated what causes this pain and given it a name. It iscarpal tunnel syndrome. When the same actions are repeated over and over again, the tendons and ligaments that control the hands, wrists, and fingers can become inflamed. This can cause great pain.
The throttle on motorcycles and shooters are the same principle. Not only do you continually repeat the same motion as you shift gears or accelerate, holding the throttle at a specific angle to maintain speed can cause the same symptoms.
There are several ways that you can relieve this pain. The most serious way to deal with it would be surgery. With the vast number of people that suffer from it (in all professions that it may rear it’s ugly head) surgery has become common place. It may not be the best choice but if it is a serious case and you are in extreme pain, to the point that riding is uncomfortable, this may be the option that you need to embrace.
Before you go to the worst case scenario, there are much simpler ways to deal with it. While it may not fix it, it can very well keep it at bay for a longer period of time. If done correctly it may delay the fatigue and pain to the point that surgery is not necessary.
While no one may want to admit it, there is a time in life when a person has reached an age where they are to old to safely ride a motorcycle or a scooter. It is important for you to know you limits on this, both for your own safety as well as the safety of others that ride and those that share the road.
What is this simple remedy? All you really need to do is stretch out your hands, wrists, arms, and fingers before you go on a ride. when you stop for a break, stretch them out again. Popping your knuckles does not fall into this category. That is an entirely different medical matter. Simple extensions of all the areas mentioned will do the trick. Do it often and do it well. Once the ride is over, stretch them out again.
It may seem silly at first to stretch for a motorcycle ride, but it keeps the muscles, ligaments, and tendons flexible. The other option is to have these body parts swollen. When they are swollen, you will get the pain and fatigue. Stretching is a small price to pay when you consider that it may give you extra years on your beloved ride.
Once the the tendons (and other body parts) have sustained damage, it can be very hard to overcome. At this point, all you can do is try to make it feel better for the moment, but it will return the next time you ride.
If you already suffer from this ailment, there are many OTC drugs that may help but stretching out your hands will work better than anything else, and remember it is done before, during, and after a ride.
If you are new to riding, start stretching your hands, wrists, and fingers from the beginning. By doing this, you will save yourself pain later in your riding career. If you think you are one “of those” that is above this, just ask any rider that has been on 2 wheels for 10, 20, 30, or more years. It is not a case of if but of when. It will happen. Prolong it while you can, you will be much happier in the future.
So, what is the way to relieve the fatigue and pain associated with working the throttle on 2 wheeled vehicles? First and foremost, like most things, prevention is the best defense. If you have already passed that point, treat it with anti inflammatory OTC drugs and stretching. If these “at home” remedies don’t work, surgery is an option. Many people that have had the surgery would not suggest this route. Of course, for some people, this may be the only option. If this is the route that you are forced to take, you can expect to not be riding while you heal. The last kick in the pants about having the surgery done? It may not fix the problem for good. You may be good for a while, possibly for a long time. Unfortunately, it will almost always come back. You can not have the surgery over and over again. The scar tissue build up can cause more damage than the original condition. It can be one of those cases that the cure is worse than the disease.
In summary, just do the simple act of stretching out before your ride, when you stop for gas (or whatever) and again when the ride is over. It will prolong your comfortable riding for years to come, and deep down, isn’t that what all riders want? To be able to ride without undue pain for as many years to come?
Stay safe, keep all kinds of pain away, and enjoy the freedom of riding in the open on 2 wheels instead of in a steel cage that is an automobile.
