pins and plates in wrist - will pain get better when cycling??

tamberg

I broke my wrist in August and had pins and a plate put in my wrist...I know its been only 7 months, but my goal is to be a distance cyclist...the ortho doesn't want to take the hardware out, and I'm getting kinda paranoid about the acute soreness after just 27 miles...anyone have any experience with such an injury / any suggestions?

Thanks!

root

Pain always gets better when you cycle . Kidding aside, I have broken the 5th meta carpal bone in my right hand in a cycling accident and had 3 needles installed for a month. I cycled with them, only a week after the accident, and yes the hand was pretty numb and I also had pins and needles (both literally and in its usual meaning ). They went away after a couple of months.

But it sounds like your injury is more severe. How come your doctor recommends against taking the plate out?

tamberg

He thinks it would be a pretty big thing, tearing and cutting through all the tissue again...he's happy with my mobility, but mobility of my wrist ain't gonna halp me feel comfortable on a long bike ride!!!

Yojimbo_

I haven't had a wrist injury like yours, but I did shatter my left femur up near the hip joint a few years back, and the plate and many screws that were inserted to hold it all together while healing are still in there.

It took a long time to heal, and more time after that until I decided I was tired of being a couch potato, but once I got back on my bike I can't say that it has caused me any pain. My leg strength isn't quite what I have in the other leg, but that's the only "complaint" I have.

Your discomfort may fade with time.

BILLYHOLMES

I have pins/plates/nails/screws in my left leg and a new right hip and have no weird pains at all. I was supposed to have the hardware out years ago but I never bothered. The only disadvantage with having metal in your body (as far as I can see) is that you have to take antibiotics when you go to the dentist.


I am sure that over time your pain will be less and less and one day you will be spinning along and it will dawn on you that the pain has gone completely this has happened to me a few times. I have always listened to the doctor but I have always been the judge of what my body can handle and I am always amazed on how the body adapts. I was riding one week after hip surgery and everyone thought I was nuts (?) three weeks later I was riding my 50km route when the other guys that where in hospial with me were on sticks!
Good Luck,
Bill

tamberg

thanks a TON for the replies...I was kinda starting to freak out, as I plan on being a cyclist for life, and really want to do long distances!!!

skammer

what bone? Scaphoid?

tamberg

radius

oldbobcat

Might want to pay special attention to the way the handlebar angle affects the bend in your wrist. Straighter is usually better.

I once rode and skied with a cracked nevicular for a few weeks. Just couldn't wait for the cast to come off. Good luck.

skammer

My Scaphoid (nevicular) has had two Matti-Russe jobs, one with bleeding bone, and mine still hurts when I ride. Get used to it.