papaki72

It has been two months since I had my right hand operated for carpal tunnel syndrome. Gradually I am trying to get back to cycling and I get pain to my elbow, my inner wrist and a bit of it on my pointer finger (right arm) with just 30-40 km of a ride. Is that normal? Anyone having any experience on this? I am eager to start cycling further as before that and it seems progressing too slow. Should I worry that cts is coming back on my operated hand?

Marylander

I would go back to the surgeon and get checked out. Maybe you just need some physical therapy. I had a carpal tunnel release for my right hand several years ago and it's been awesome.

papaki72

Do you remember how long it took you to get back to "abuse" your hands? Is that normal getting so much pain with just 30-40 Kms? For sure after two and a half moths my hands are a lot better, but does it make any sense getting long rides that badly? Should I wait more? Would changing the grips of my flatbar fitness bike help?

Marylander

Well, it's been 8 years since I had it done and I didn't write anything down so all I've got is my memory, which isn't great... I had it done in October 2012 and was riding my motorcycle to work about a month later. I did a dirt bike (motorcycle) race in January although I stopped half way through to give my wrist a break. However, I never had any pain outside of the first few days (I saw of video of the procedure being done on someone else and I can understand why there would be pain, it's not a gentle procedure). I really would go back to the doc if you're still having pain 2 months out.

Iride01 

Do you have really wide handlebars and keep your elbows straight? Or do you only use one hand position for the entire ride? I'm just guessing at things that might be outside normal consideration for CTS.

For certain, if physical therapy was recommended and you didn't do it, then that may be an issue too. Although none of my friends that had carpal tunnel surgery said anything about ever going to physical therapy. I had to go to it for a frozen shoulder, so I sort of swear by it since I've got full motion again.

Carbonfiberboy 

I see you posted to the fitting forum, and you're probably right, it's a bike fit issue. You should be able to ride all day with no hand pain, CTS or not. Post photos of you on your bike from the side, one with pedals level, forearms horizontal, another in your usual riding position, pedals in line with seat tube. You have enough posts to put up photos.

papaki72

I will post photos as soon as get back home.

avmech

Bilateral (both hands at the same time) carpal release in 1992. Had PT afterwards for a bit. That said, I was cleared to ride about 2 weeks after surgery, but being careful. For a while I rode, but with my wrist braces to still hold the wrist in neutral which helped immensely. A few months after surgery I started without the braces and was all good. Bike was a Schwinn Circuit road bike.
I would also say talk to your surgeon about it, 2 months is a long time

philbob57

I had a lot of pain and numbness when I rode with 'moderate' CTS. I have none after the CTS release, as long as I keep my wrists in a relatively neutral position. I recommend seeking the counsel of a good hand specialist. If I had a problem after the surgery, I'm not sure I'd go back to the same surgeon, though.

Have you ridden with CTS? My bike fits, and I had significant hand pain after 5-10 miles (depending on my mood) before the surgery. That was with 'moderate' CTS.