Numbness and Tingling in Body when Riding

Do you ever experience numbness or tingling in your body while riding? I used to struggle with this myself—numb toes were my constant companion! It was not only uncomfortable but also took away from the joy of riding and fully immersing myself in the experience.

Interestingly, this issue often stems from a pinched nerve caused by tension, typically originating in the hips or lower back, and it can affect the entire leg. For me, it was due to gripping too much with my knees.

But don’t worry—there are ways to tackle this and get back to riding comfortably! Here are some quick tips to help you reduce or even eliminate this pesky problem:

• Focus on hip suppleness: Loosening up your hips can make a world of difference.

• Be mindful of body tension: Pay attention to how relaxed your legs are. Ask yourself, “Is my leg soft and relaxed, like a wet noodle, on my horse?” A great reset is to lift your legs off, rotate at the hip, and place them back down without tension or bracing.

• Upgrade your stirrups: The right stirrups can work wonders! I highly recommend trying:

  • MDC Sport or Ultimate (their rotating angle can ease leg and knee pain)

  • Composti Reflex (another fantastic option for added comfort)

You can also try other techniques, like using a spikey ball to release tight glute or lower muscles that connect to your hips. These small adjustments can make a big difference!

As someone with hypermobility, I’ve learned that we often need to work harder to find the right balance between being too tense and too loose. It’s a journey of refining our position and comfort, and having a great biomechanics coach can be a game-changer.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any of these tips, or do you have your own strategies that work? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Or if you are hypermobile, sing out in the comments too! You are not alone!

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Have you ever experienced tingling/numbness when you ride?

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• No, never
• Yes - in my lower limbs (feet, knees)
• Yes - in my arms (fingers, hands, elbows)
• Yes - in my spinal region (upper, middle or lower back)

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