Damaged Ulnar Nerve?

Andy Watson

Good morning,

I am new to road riding and starting to get increase the distances of my rides. Things had been going ok until last Friday. I was cycling from Taunton to Exeter and on the road past Cullompton it got a bit bumpy. Since then I have had a bit of numbness in my left pinkie and ring figure and in my wrist. I went out again on Tuesday with some people at work along some flatter roads and now the elbow joint is playing up and is quite sore.

I have had my bike fitted by the chap at my local bike shop whos qualified. I wear some old weightlifting gloves which seemed to ease the pain I was having when I initially started out.

I was planning to go to the shop and speak to the fitter later today but wondered if anyone had any ideas of A) how to relieve the pain and is it wise to keep riding? I think it might be best to put some miles in on the turbo where I can sit up and not put weight through my hands, however its never as good as being on the road. I also work in an office so possibly typing and sitting at my desk is not helping my elbow and wrist.

The event I am training for is in May so I need to be training as much as I can, but I don’t want to damage my wrist/arm any more than it already is.

I have had a look in other threads but I dont think they were what I was looking for. If you have any advice or experience of how long it lasted, it would be great to hear.

Andrew

marcusjb

Yep - sounds like ulnar nerve damage - little finger numbness etc.

I have suffered with it, it's not uncommon in distance cycling.

I had it worst last year following a 400km event - the numbness did take a couple of months to sort out. Nerves are funny things and some people will recover quicker than others.

I did several things after the event that have helped - flipped my stem was the first thing, to give me a more upright position, putting less weight on my arms. I also practised, and made sure, I moved my hands about more - ride on the flats, the hoods, on the bends, drops - the lot.

I pretty soon after this had a full bike fitting session to hone my position even more.

I haven't suffered the nerve damage again thankfully.

I would look at getting a bit more upright on the bike to take some weight of the hands. A decent pair of gloves will help and maybe look at some gel padding under the bar tape to help absorb the road buzz.

I hope you can sort it - whilst the numbness is not life threatening - it's sure annoying and uncomfortable.

As you might expect - the main audax forum has plenty on the matter:

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=47214.0
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=49172.0
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5832.0

slowondefy2

Numbness in the little finger happens quite easily from vibration and pressure on the palm of the hands. Properly padded gloves probably help, as can slightly reducing front tyre pressure.

But, I would be more concerned about the pain in the elbow, especially as it's persisting. I'm not convinced it's directly associated with the numbness in the fingers. Tendonitis is a possiblity. If the pain is bad, and isn't resolving with rest, I'd be visiting the doctor. In general: pain = rest required.

marcusjb

I'd certainly agree the bit in the elbow is more worrying - it can be related (it's called something like cubital tunnel syndrome).

I should have put see a doctor as well - not a bad plan!

Andy Watson

Thanks for the tips guys and the links.

I am off to see the chap who fitted my bike tonight, will get some ice on it and rest the next two days. Hopefully pick up some padded gloves etc. See how it is over the weekend and maybe pop to the Dr next week if it stays the same or gets worse.

I think the elbow pain is more muscular than nerve so might be ok after a good icing.

Much apprichated guys.

Andrew

nickel

I cant really offer much advice regarding your hand but I was experiencing some pain in my elbow whilst riding towards the end of 2011, found wearing padded gloves and making a conscious effort to vary position on the bars helped a lot (usually wear padded gloves but as it was winter i was wearing wool gloves with little padding, just started wearing my mits under my winter gloves).

Andy Watson

Thanks for the advice guys. I went and spoke with the bike shop about things and got myself some padded gloves and discussed padded bar tape if it does not clear up. We concluded the bike fit was fine and as its only effecting one hand I was sure it was not that. Left the shop and called my Dr and was told if I could get to the Dr in 5 minutes I could see him. Turns out it is Carpel Tunnel and lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) probably caused by trauma being the bump road. He said it should clear up in a week or two, if not they may test it and do an operation. All a bit serious but im sure it wont come to that. Advice was to keep riding and try the bar tape if it doesn't clear up.

Andy Watson

Following on from the above, I went out for a 50 mile ride today and ended up going over the handle bars. With my instincts I used my hands to brake my fall, now my left hand is pretty sore and my right, well im waiting on that catchin up! Not good.

slowondefy2

Oh no, sorry to hear that. How did it happen?

Good to hear the Doc could see you promptly the other day - can't complain at being seen 5 minutes after phoning.

Hope you heal up okay.