The Chainlink

Riding with an arm injury?

I used to ride about 100 miles a week on a bike that fit me well, and I never had any problems with any kind of joint pain. I switched jobs and started riding less than 50 miles per week. Around that time, I started noticing that I put too much pressure on my wrists and arms when I rode. I was working an office job and assumed I had some kind of carpal tunnel.

A year and a half later, during which I haven't been riding much, I've been diagnosed with a compressive neuropathy in my right elbow. I have a lot of tingling and pain and am getting screened for surgery soon. I haven't been riding at all since it got a lot worse, partially because I'm temporarily in a city that isn't very bike friendly. 

Does anyone have experience with this kind of injury? I'm wondering how bad of an idea it is to ride through it, and what kind of recovery time I could expect if I had the surgery. Any thoughts on switching out my handlebars to reduce pressure on my wrists and elbows? My bikes have drop handlebars, and I generally ride with my hands on the brake position. I'm a youngster (mid-20s), and I'm incredibly frustrated with this injury!!

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Permalink Reply by Bob Jarosz on August 18, 2016 at 3:50pm

About 5 years ago I had rotator cuff surgery.  In order to continue riding ASAP I raised my handlebars (also drop) up so I'm in a much more raised position, had to get one with a longer neck and shorted reach to do this. Had 110 mm now 60 mm.  Lowered the seat and moved it closer to the handlebars.  worked for me.  was able to ride in just 3 months with no pain.  I know you said you are in your 20's, but pick up a book called Ride For Life by Roy Wallack. Its mainly for older riders but lots of good tips in there.

Permalink Reply by V W on August 24, 2016 at 12:03am
There's only so much you can do to change your posture on a road bike which is always going to tend to put more weight on the wrists than a (non road) bike with a more upright posture. Have you considered another kind of bike with a different geometry?
Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on August 24, 2016 at 6:56am

Probably a good idea to get a bike fit to rule out your set-up being the cause.

Here's an old forum post on the topic...

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/best-bike-fitting-in-chicago

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 24, 2016 at 9:31am

I would second the suggestion Tiberculosis made - referring to the bike fit thread.  If you go that route and it still doesn't help, switching to a more touring-oriented configuration (longer stem, mustache or butterfly handlebars for more hand positions, more upright riding position) might help. Perhaps if a friend has a suitable bike you could try a ride or two and see if you notice a difference in symptoms.

I haven't had experience with your specific condition, but a different injury that causes pain and numbness from pressure on the hands. Making this kind of change to my road bike helped a LOT.  As with anything, your mileage may vary.

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