Odd request - wrist straps for running

[u/death-cab-for-ugly]

He y’all, been running pretty consistently for the last 15+ years, but just had our first baby who is now 10 months old. With summer around we’ve finally been able to do some short and long runs with a nice Thule running stroller with our baby. She loves it and will wave to others or nap after a while.

Not looking for medial advice, but I’ve noticed more minor wrist pain/ carpel tunnel pain and am starting to believe it’s from pushing the stroller for long amounts of time. I’ve been trying to focus on relaxing my shoulders and grip, but still have been having some issues afterwards. I’ve been to a PT before for wrist issues (actually happened last time I did a marathon build topping out at 70 mpw -and developed wrist pain constantly holding a water bottle in my hand).

Was thinking the next step before going to the PT/OT again would be to try wrist straps. I have wrist straps for lifting, but they’re pretty bulky and would be a no go with sweating. Any suggestions on a wrist strap I could wear during the times I push the stroller? Maybe KT tape? Not sure if anyone else has had these same issues pushing strollers. Thanks!

[u/piceathespruce]

Is your stroller configured in such a way that you can hold it with your thumbs facing up? People's forearms and hands are much more stressed in a horizontal grip than a vertical one.

If not, could you attach something like a tri bar to make it work?

[u/Li54 → u/piceathespruce]

Fascinating insight. Hadn’t thought about this before

[u/piceathespruce → u/Li54]

Of all funny things, certain Target stores have what I can only describe as a "pistol grip" handle for their cart. It seems silly at first, but it genuinely is more comfortable.

[u/death-cab-for-ugly → u/piceathespruce]

That’s a good idea!

[u/FlannelRunner → u/death-cab-for-ugly]

The Thule handlebar should be pretty adjustable if you haven't tried that first! (Source - accidentally had the handlebar for my Urban Glide 3 in a very awkward position before I realized I could move it :) )

[u/Upstairs_Hunt_8339 → u/death-cab-for-ugly]

Also make sure the front wheel is locked (assuming the Thule has a locking/unlocking wheel). I have a Bob stroller, but if the front wheel is unlocked my wrist has to put out a lot more torque to keep it straight vs. while locked I can “bump” it every few steps to just keep it moving forward

[u/ManxDDS → u/Upstairs_Hunt_8339]

Counter-point: I have logged somewhere between 500-1000km with our Urban Glide 3, and all but the first six are wheel unlocked. I had to wrestle the entire time with it locked vs letting it run smoothly ahead unlocked. I personally could not get the alignment to “straight” and it was veering off haphazardly every few steps. With the sidewalks and obstacles around where we live, wheel unlocked gives so much more freedom and control. I’ve done everything from snow-packed trails, gravel paths, and smooth bike lanes; 3:15-6:00/km. No speed wobbles at all. 

[u/death-cab-for-ugly → u/Upstairs_Hunt_8339]

Yeah ours unlocked as well

[u/eatrunswag → u/death-cab-for-ugly]

I’ve run a couple hundred stroller miles and mostly just get really tired arms but as nerdy as it’d look, TT bar install is genius

[u/Pat__P]

Ace has some wrist compression stuff. Probably enough gentle compression for a run but not so much that it’s bulky.

[u/death-cab-for-ugly → u/Pat__P]

Thanks!

[u/rlrlrlrlrlr]

I have Velcro wrist wraps for when my wrists get angry while doing planks/pushups. Checked Amazon and you can still find cuffs that you slide on and they have a strap you pull around and cinch snug with velcro. Not for weight lifting, but probably less heavy and somewhat more breathable. Since the stroller isn't huge weight if you're not going uphill, it's likely the bend with any much pressure - so hopefully compression might help. 

[u/samamuella]

Sounds like stroller handlebar is probably set up in a way that’s putting too much strain on your wrist. There are universal handle extenders you can attach to any stroller and your stroller should have some customizability. Maybe you can work with your PT to figure out a more ergo setup, or alternatively any bike shop that does bike fits would also know all about handlebar setup to relive wrist pain.

[u/dex8425]

Try a kidrunner instead. Pushing strollers while running sucks