Wrist pain while running

Running with the 5x has been rather uncomfortable as the watch seems to slide down when my wrist gets sweaty. I tighten the strap very tight, but in some ways I think that only makes things worse and doesn't stop the watch from moving once I get sweaty. I'm curious whether anyone else has had this issue or any tips for reducing the issue?

I really like the look of the large watch, but perhaps my wrists are just too small for it?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    I'm a female with small wrists and I have the 5x. I've found that keeping it a bit looser is the key for comfort while running for me. Is that when it slides down for you? It may be your specific arm swing if trying various hole positions on the strap doesn't help. My wrist nub is pretty prominent so I strap it on behind the nub and normally it doesn't slide over it(I'm on the 3rd to last tightest hole). My Sunnto Spartan would hurt my wrist, I think due to the more firm rubber type band. What band came with yours? You could try a different type of strap like a webbed or cloth one.

    It is a heavy watch. That is true, I do realize its heft towards the end of a 6 miler.
  • Maybe from f5x or maybe not

    I've been restricted from running since I got my F5x due to foot rehab. but I've trying my best to be active in fitness center classes and some strength training. so I've been playing with some of the NON-GPS activites. The other day I noticed an area on my wrist sorta itches. I looked and to my surprise a section seems almost rubbed raw, or sunburn. its exactly where the band would be normally. Never had an issue with my F3. I wondered if during some of my trials at figuring about best positions for OHRM if I tightened it to much one or two time. I've seen bee wearing it on my right wrist to allow left to heal up. (dang bang this watch ALL the time on the right hand.).

    So i've had some wrist pain, never before with the F3. But also slightly different wrist pain
  • Thanks for the tips. During the day I've been keeping the watch with 2 holes visible above the clasp. At that level of tightness, the watch can slide over the ulna bone (the name for the bump on the wrist, I think?). When running, I've taken it one hole tighter, in order to prevent it from sliding over that bone, but the result has been that the metal underside bounces against that ulna bone while running, making it sore. Perhaps I'll try keeping it looser, and maybe even letting it sit over the ulna bone while running, to see if that makes it any better?
  • Tall man with skinny monkey arms here.
    When I first got my F3 after using FR220/225/235 for a couple of years it took me almost a month to stop feeling like the watch was beating that bony part of my wrist to death even while wearing it during the day at the office. I don't know if it was just adaptation or switching to nylon Zulu/NATO style straps but it doesn't bother me at all now.
  • bony anatomy

    I'm an RN and if it helps...

    The two main bones in the forearm are the Radius and the Ulna. The "head" of each bone connects to the hand bones at the wrist. The "ulnar head" is the bump closest to your pinky. The "radial head" is the bump closest to your thumb.

    I find that with my F3 (and likely my F5X once I finally receive it, which is another story for another thread) and my day to day strap, it sits out on my ulnar head a lot. But after 2 years I am used to it. When running, I do keep the strap just tight enough that it doesn't flop around. But I don't have an F3HR -- so having the OHRM on the F5X may make a difference in comfort when I am running with it. We'll see!

    ~ Keith
  • Just a thought...turn the watch so the face side is on the inside of your arm rather than on the outside. This way, only the strap will hit the ulna bone if it slides down.
  • Hmmm?

    Just a thought...turn the watch so the face side is on the inside of your arm rather than on the outside. This way, only the strap will hit the ulna bone if it slides down.


    If doing that, would one need to tell the watch it is on the opposite wrist, and/or worry about losing GPS signal since the antenna is now in a different position?
  • I have worn all of my watches this way. With the F3HR and now F5X, I wear them this way during the day and have not experienced any issues or deviation with GPS but your mileage may vary from mine. No, you don't make a change because it is still on whatever wrist you set it to. There is nothing discussing the proper orientation...face up or face down and which is proper. I read something a while back on DCRainmaker's page where he discussed this in terms of the OHR module. He said there was no difference. He did not mention that I recall anything about GPS. At night, I rotate the watch to be face up when I sleep to give my skin time to breath from the position it was in all day.

    Probably over answered your question but at least you have a perspective from my point of view.
  • Don't see why it should

    If doing that, would one need to tell the watch it is on the opposite wrist, and/or worry about losing GPS signal since the antenna is now in a different position?


    Not sure why turning it face in would need to change the left /right setting. The orientation is same. 9 is by the fingers and 3 toward the elbow. True different part of bezel is up. Bit if you put on left hand bottom is naturally up vs top of facing in on right hand
  • Just a thought...turn the watch so the face side is on the inside of your arm rather than on the outside. This way, only the strap will hit the ulna bone if it slides down.


    I've followed this tip for my last few runs and it has made a huge difference! Much more comfortable. Thanks!