Numbness after a bike ride

What to Do If You Experience Numbness After a Bike Ride
By Max Roman Dilthey, LIVESTRONG.COM

“Soreness is often the sign of a good workout, but excessive soreness and numbness after your bike ride could hint at a serious issue. Having the wrong bicycle saddle for your proportions and body type can lead to discomfort and numbness if the blood flow to your pelvic region becomes constricted, and that can be dangerous if it isn’t corrected. Measuring your particular proportions and finding a seat that supports your weight properly can make your ride more comfortable, even after your longest rides.”

Finding your proportions
Your weight should be properly supported by the bike seat on two bony protrusions in your rear, the ischial tuberosities, also known as “sit bones.” These protrusions are uniquely suited to withstand the pressure and impact of riding better than the soft tissues between your legs. To find the distance between your sit bones and determine your optimal seat width, sit on a flat surface and feel for the two contact points in your buttocks. The distance between these points is your optimal seat width.

Choosing your support system
Bicycle seats come in a wide variety of thicknesses, foam densities, and materials. The best saddle for you will put firm, supportive and absorptive foam underneath your sit bones, with an empty space in the middle to avoid putting pressure near the genital area. More cushion is not necessarily better; having too much soft foam in the saddle could fill the space between your legs, redistributing your body weight onto soft tissue, which can cause numbness. Look for a cushioned, comfortable seat with which your weight is fully supported on your sit bones.http://www.livestrong.com/article/347034-what-to-do-if-you-experience-numbness-after-a-bike-ride/


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