I have a flat bar road/hybrid bike and upgraded my handle bars with these
http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gc3
Designed to relieve pressure around the Hypothenar and Thenar areas of your palms. Works a dream on long rides. Zero palm issues to date. And the bar extensions are useful on hill climbs and semi-aero hand positions.
But yes a road bike offers more options on the drop bars.