Numb Thumb

[qwooldridge]

While coaching a game recently (2 weeks ago) i noticed that my left thumb had gone numb, and remains in a pins and needles state. A DR friend of mine thinks it could be carpal tunnel and reccommended I switch to a thumbless grip on bench because I had expressed that at times I squeeze the bar so tight that my fingers leave imprints in my palm and the knurling also leaves tracks.

Long story short, other than never speaking to the DR friend again because he reccomemnded the thumbless grip what advice could you have other than stop squeezing the damn bar so tight? Ever hear of this before?

[Mark Rippetoe]

First, is the guy a plastic surgeon? Maybe he needs your business. Second, see if you can get somebody to adjust your wrist a few times. This may relieve the symptoms. Third, numb thumb should be accompanied by a numb or tingly index and middle finger, as well as the inside of the ring finger, if it's actually carpal tunnel syndrome/radial nerve stuff. This may not be what it seems.

[justinbass]

It is your duty as a human to give your friend a beating for suggesting a thumbless grip on the bench. People get their rib cages crushed from this.

[qwooldridge]

No index or middle finger numbness involved. There is a trigger point on the palm side of my thumb at base, any pressure to this area recreates the electric pulse to the end of my thumb. Really no restrictions on what I'm able to do, for instance on Tuesday was able to complete Squat/Press/Deadlift day with regular weight and no complications. Just hoping that this issue is not lifting related and will not get in the way of my only hobby. That's why I have enlisted the thoughts of those smarter than I, or at least I thought untill the thumbless grip was reccommended.

[JLascek]

Just to add to the discussion, about a month ago I was doing a CrossFit WOD that involved either lots of cleans, hang cleans, or hang power cleans. I was using the hook grip, and right after the workout my thumb was tingly/numb. I thought it was attributed to taping my thumbs (where the skin articulates with the bar) too tight, but that numbness stayed for a day or two. I figured it was just due to the hook grip and that it would soon go away, and it did. It hasn't fallen off yet.

More importantly Coach, when I overhead squat heavy (not in a WOD), my left wrist (even when I bring my hands in a bit narrower) experiences pain in the carpals on the radial side -- usually about mid-way through the set. I suppose it could be due to a technique error mid-set, but aside from stretching and warming up my wrists with joint mobility/dynamic stretching, do you have any suggestions?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Your grip is probably the problem. I'll bet the bar is back in your hand, away from your wrist making a lever arm out of your metacarpals.

[JLascek]

Possibly. I make it a point to grip it low at the base of the thumb and the heel of the palm, like you mention in SS for pressing. Perhaps it moves during the set. I'll evaluate. Thanks.