Avoiding Possible Pitfalls as Upcoming Bike MS 150 Takes Cyclists of Varied Skill Levels on Two-Day Trek Across Texas
The 2021 Bike MS 150, previously the BP MS 150, is scheduled for May 1 in Houston and expected to host thousands of cyclist of varied skill levels. This requires lots of preparation … and patience.
While we have written over the years about some of the common hand, wrist and elbow injuries and conditions avid cyclists experience, there are additional considerations following a year that paused many of the training activities previously available. Less training sets the stage for mishaps and repetitive stress conditions.
Recognizing the areas of vulnerability following the 2020 pandemic “pause” can help riders modify behavior and reduce risks.
Repetitive Stress
Nearly one-third of the overuse strains associated with avid cyclists competing year-round in weekend rides and races affect the hand and upper extremity. These types of injuries can also affect those who have not adequately trained yet embark upon a 150-mile ride between Houston and, this year, the Texas A&M College Station campus.
The constant vibration, griped hand position for hours at a time or tense ride into the wind, up a hill and alongside Interstate traffic and inexperienced riders can result in such repetitive stress conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome or handlebar palsy, also known as ulnar neuropathy. Cold weather also makes tissue more distensible and may slightly increase risk for carpal tunnel syndrome as well.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the most common tendinopathic conditions associated with overuse activity and repetitive stress in the hand and wrist is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is one of the most common overuse hand and wrist conditions affecting cyclists.
The result of irritation and swelling, CTS causes compression within the narrow carpal tunnel located at the wrist – through which the median nerve, one of the major nerves in the arm, passes. When the median nerve becomes irritated in this compressed and subsequently inflamed tunnel, numbness, pain, tingling and weakness may result in the thumb, index and middle fingers. This may cause discomfort, affecting a cyclist’s ability to even shift gears with the affected hand.
Resting periodically and stretching the hands, as well as changing grip and handlebar positioning to reduce hyperextension and hyper flexion may help during the ride. But ongoing pain may require treatment, which is generally nonsurgical and may entail night bracing and/or injection therapy. Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome following nonsurgical treatment may require a minimally invasive procedure known as Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.
Handlebar Palsy (Ulnar Neuropathy)
Handlebar palsy, known medically as ulnar neuritis or neuropathy, is another common overuse or repetitive stress condition affecting cyclists. This results when direct pressure is placed on the ulnar nerve at the hand and wrist – from the grip of a cyclist’s hands on handlebars, causing stretching or hyperextension of the nerve.
The ulnar nerve controls sensation in the ring and little fingers as well as the muscular function of the hand. Compression of this nerve can cause numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, as well as hand weakness. Nonsurgical treatment such as rest, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications generally resolves this condition.
These overuse, repetitive stress conditions affecting bicyclists also often affect motorcyclists as well, as the continuous vibration of the motorcycle causes the same type of conditions that long rides and regular bicycling can cause.
Other Riding Tips for Reducing Risks
Professional cyclists and medical experts have contributed to an array of preventative tools and recommendations for reducing risks for such conditions.
These include:
- Cycling gloves – both basic or specialized gel cycling gloves to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.
- Additional handlebar padding.
- Custom adjustments in handlebar height and overall bike fit specific to each rider.
- Applying less pressure or weight to the handlebars and avoiding hyperextension and hyper flexion.
- Frequent adjustments to grip and position on the handlebars during a ride.
- Hand exercises between rides, such as squeezing an Isoball.
Dr. Korsh Jafarnia is one of Houston’s leading board certified, fellowship trained hand and upper extremity specialists. A member of Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Jafarnia is affiliated with Houston Methodist Hospital at Memorial City/Spring Valley. He also serves as an assistant professor, Weill Cornell Medical College. Call 888.621.4263 for an appointment, or go to www.korshjafarniamd.com to learn more.
This information is made available for educational purposes only. It does not serve as a diagnosis in the absence of a consult with a qualified healthcare provided.
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