Right Hand Pain

I dont know if im getting into the truck wrong (too much weight on one hand), grasping the steering wheel and or shifter too hard or what but my right hand had been killing me at the joints ever since I started driving. Its been getting better but I was wondering if anyone else has this pain too. Hope im not just being a nancy

You might be gripping the steering wheel tight for long periods of time. My left hand would get cramped up if I'm in heavy traffic for a long time (I'm left handed). I've figured out I was gripping the steering wheel real tight in that situation.

You might be gripping the steering wheel tight for long periods of time. My left hand would get cramped up if I'm in heavy traffic for a long time (I'm left handed). I've figured out I was gripping the steering wheel real tight in that situation.

I hope. Im too young for arthritis! :c

Hey Richard, I've actually experienced the same pain when I was grasping the steering wheel for a long period of time. However, there are proper ways to grip the steering wheel. Back when I attended driving school about a decade ago, my instructor said that 10-and-2 was the sure bet for hand placement while driving. Experts are now recommending that drivers place their hands at 9-and-3.

Lewis wrote:

Hey Richard, I've actually experienced the same pain when I was grasping the steering wheel for a long period of time. However, there are proper ways to grip the steering wheel. Back when I attended driving school about a decade ago, my instructor said that 10-and-2 was the sure bet for hand placement while driving. Experts are now recommending that drivers place their hands at 9-and-3.

Experts?

Two primary points are relevant; don’t grip the wheel too tight (a common rookie mistake) and try to occasionally vary the position of your two hands while holding the wheel.

I've been driving at 9 and 3 since my trainer. I personally think its the best grip to have. As long as you keep your shoulders and grip somewhat relaxed. It gives you an even grip on the steering wheel and the best position to be in for a steer tire blowout. That's the position I try to be in most of the drive.

Try using your knees when your hands get tired. Give them hands a break!

I had the same problem early on and realized I was gripping the wheel. Now I consciously relax when I feel I’m tightening up. I also keep a tub of hand putty nearby. I found that exercising with that at least once a day helps to get the finger joints moving and reduces the stiffness.

Now if I could just figure out how to keep my knees from stiffing up during the day.

Hey Richard, I've actually experienced the same pain when I was grasping the steering wheel for a long period of time. However, there are proper ways to grip the steering wheel. Back when I attended driving school about a decade ago, my instructor said that 10-and-2 was the sure bet for hand placement while driving. Experts are now recommending that drivers place their hands at 9-and-3.

If I'm not mistaken the 9-3 recommendation came about after airbags became commonplace in cars. People holding at 10-2 were having their thumbs broken by the airbag covers when they blew in an accident. Since we dont have airbags in the trucks you can pretty much hold it however feels good to you.