[IanEdward]

I’m hoping I haven’t posted about this here before, I posted something similar on Singletrackworld.com but unsurprisingly (it’s predominantly an MTB forum…) got lots of people telling me it was a scaphoid issue which it very definitely isn’t. As me and my physio both suspect the damage was done from riding in the drops, I’m wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences.

In short, after a few rides over-enthusiastically finding the off-road limits of my Salsa Vaya (and consequently cracking the frame, a story for another time…) I developed a pain in my wrist which has developed and become acute pain in my Ulna/collate ligament, basically at the base/side of the wrist, on the pinky side.

Having seen two physios and one GP now I’m confident in the diagnosis of torn/damaged ligament and the probably cause (this ligament would take the brunt of the force if you hit a large bump while in the drops or even while in the hoods).

The only problem is after almost three months off the bike it’s not improving, in fact I feel it might gradually be getting worse. I avoid any activities which cause the pain and any activities which might put any stress on the wrist, such as using a mouse.

I’m using ice and heat when I can, and the physio is suggesting acupuncture which I will try for a few sessions out of desperation if nothing else.

I feel the last resort is steroid injections, at least that will get me back on the bike, however I wonder how this will help the healing process in the longer term.

Can anyone share their experiences?

Ta

Topic

[arfa]

I developed similar pains in
I developed similar pains in my little finger and the finger next to it from repetitive strain injury whilst commuting (repeated braking).
The solution was basically physiotherapy and *gasp* disc brakes…..

[CXR94Di2]

Sometimes if you ask the
Sometimes if you ask the consultant they will refer you back into the nhs for the scans. All you pay for is the initial consultation £100-£250. Find the local private hospital to you and ask to speak to the consultant secretary to get an appointment date (can be as soon as a few days.) You then need to be referred by your gp.(they can do this by fax/email) Just tell them you are paying to go private., they will then gladly refer you. I have done this several times for various injuries I have had. If you wait for the nhs it will take 6 months or more just to get and see consultant. Pay private to get initial opinion, then drop back into nhs if too much of a cost.

[IanEdward]

Yikes!
Well I’ll certainly
Yikes!

Well I’ll certainly persevere with getting a second opinion and trying to get some scans, it’s a shame the NHS is so overwhelmed at the moment as I definitely got the feeling they didn’t want to be referring me any further up the food chain.

Good luck with the surgery, I’m not quite ready to write off the next nine months but I’ll be dusting off the hiking boots just in case…

[runskiprun]

interestingly I went to see a
interestingly I went to see a wrist specialist today and she thinks I have injured this:
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) http://www.methodistorthopedics.com/triangular-fibrocartilage-complex-tfcc-injuries
looks like this cartilage acts as a shock absorber (if I remember correctly) and I am getting sent to a hand surgeon, as a delay in getting this fixed will affect me in later life. Sounds like a surgical repair job, with 9 months to get better.
I recommend a second opinion and take 2 blue Smarties (to make you feel better!)

[IanEdward]

Hmm, I should have pursued a
Hmm, I should have pursued a specialist earlier I think, I can’t afford to spend much more on private care and my work scheme hasn’t kicked in yet (doubt it would cover a ‘pre-existing’ condition anyway).

My GP couldn’t get me out of the office fast enough and didn’t even suggest a referral, but I doubt the NHS wants to make extra work for itself at the moment, I might book another appointment with a view to asking for a referral.

That said, my physio used to be a GP and is apparently a specialist, he was certainly very thorough and quick to reach a diagnosis. Seeing him on Thursday, I imagine he wouldn’t be able to refer me for scans though.

Didn’t think there was much MRI/CT could reveal if ligament damage?

[CXR94Di2]

You need to see a specialist
You need to see a specialist consultant in hands. Have a Mri/CT scan to accurately diagnose problem. I can testify steroid injections, if that’s is what you require can do wonders. If you can afford it pay to go private and get it seen to asap before it becomes chronic.

[Author]

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