Ouch

[benb]

I fell off this morning. I was avoiding a ped on a path through a park, and when I turned back to get central on the path again, my wheel caught something and I was on the deck before I knew what was happening.

I was clipped in, so didn't get a foot down, but I must have instinctively put my arm out, as I now have a very painful wrist and lower arm.

I gave the bike a once over and it all seemed OK, so I jumped back on and continued. My wrist in particular hurt all the way in, and still hurts - especially if I do any pushing or pulling - doors &c.
The fingers all wiggle and movement seems OK (though painful fully extended and fully retracted) so it's not broken, just bruised/sprained.

- What should I double check on my bike to make sure it's OK?
- Should I avoid doing things that hurt, or will "pushing through it" make it heal quicker?
- Should I lay off the cycling for a few days?

So annoying.

 

[Wobblers]

Sounds painful!

Are you sure nothing's broken? There's a lot of small bones in the wrist and they don't always call attention to themselves when broken. (Don't ask me how I know this!) Most probably it's simply sprained, but if there's any swelling or bruising I'd get it seen to urgently.

Don't try to "push through" it - instead you need to reduce any inflammation. The usual advice is RICE: Rest it, apply Ice, Compression may help and Elevation to ensure fluids drain away. If there's no improvement over the next day or two, get a doctor to have a look at it.

As for the bike, check that the gears still shift properly, that the wheels are true and the derailleur hanger hasn't been bent.

GWS!

 

[jonny jeez]

Benb, its worth clocking in with the GP (non emmergency) to see what he/she feels about the wrist not being broken.

Wrists are notoriously complicated joints and petty fragile, I've known chaps to break wrists (and forearms) just from a punch (karate-like, not pub-like) and left it for ages thinking it was "just a sprain".

Do you need to ride home?

 

[benb]

Cheers McW.

I think I'll hobble home on the bike tonight (could possibly get someone to drive me home, but not keen on leaving the bike in the shed overnight) and not cycle for the next couple of days.

The bike seemed fine for the remainder of the journey this morning, so I think it's probably OK.

 

[slugonabike]

Ouchy! Another vote for getting the arm/wrist checked out. Being able to wiggle your fingers does not guarantee no bony damage, the scaphoid bone - at the base of the thumb - is often fractured following a fall onto the outstretched hand but doesn't neccessarily stop wrist movements.

 

[nightoff]

I would take an anti inflammatory pain killer to keep the swelling down. Best to rest it for now. If it gets worse then see your GP.

 

[benb]

Thanks all.
It's been feeling slightly worse, so I think I'll call in a favour and get me and my bike driven home after work. I'll see how it is tomorrow, but if it's no better I'll get it checked out.

GP or A&E?

 

[Spinney]

Thanks all.
It's been feeling slightly worse, so I think I'll call in a favour and get me and my bike driven home after work. I'll see how it is tomorrow, but if it's no better I'll get it checked out.

GP or A&E?

Phone your GP, and when they tell you their next appointment is in two week's time, then go to A&E. Take a book...

 

[benb]

I went to A&E this morning. I work at the hospital, so I was there anyway. Only had to wait an hour, it was pretty quiet.

X-rays takjen, and I have a fractured scaphoid, one of the carpal bones in the wrist.
Plaster not necessary, but I have to wear a nice wrist splint for 4-6 weeks.

No cycling and, depending on my insurance (which I have to check), no driving either.

So annoying, as the weather is lovely at the moment.

 

[slugonabike]

Sorry to hear this, ben. Hope you heal quickly.

 

[Wobblers]

Ouch! Bad luck. Going to A&E was the right thing to do, it seems.

Hope it heals rapidly.

 

[benb]

Thanks all. It doesn't hurt too much, so I'm only really bothered by the lack of mobility (tying shoelaces is difficult) and the fact I can't cycle!

 

[fossyant]

Turbo trainer.

Thank goodness it's not a cast.

I had my left wrist in cast for a few weeks. Turbo training + sweat + cast = not very nice - phewee

 

[2Loose]

Ouchy, heal quick Benb.

 

[summerdays]

With regards to mobility ... time to discover anything that can help... slip on shoes ... tracksuit bottoms rather than trousers with buttons etc.

Hope you get better quickly.