Originally Posted by
eja_ bottecchia
@
CrankyFranky, I have been experiencing constant pain at the base of my right wrist. It makes it uncomfortable to shift down my rear derailleur. So far it has only been an issue on rides longer than 50 miles.
I will see the doctor next week.
I am curious, what are your symptoms and what was your diagnosis?
Thank you.
Hi eja - ay, I have an '72 Atala... your Bottecchia and mine should get together and reminisce about the old country :-) just kidding.
I first went to the hand specialist two years ago complaining of bilateral wrist pain - she looked at my X-ray and said that I had CMC degeneration and that pain which originated there was becoming "referred pain radiating out on the back of both wrists. I tried the usual generic wrist support and NSAID for a few weeks and the pain vanished. Then it came back six months ago and I haven't shaken it off. But I've also been typing a lot at work. Anyhow, on revisiting the doc she said that 1) lots of other joints in my hand were degenerated and 2) cortisone in my CMC wouldn't do anything to help. I asked for some topical diclofenac to try, since my gut doesn't like systemic NSAIDS any longer. She was skeptical that it would reduce my pain, but gave me a script. It requires one to put a big glob on the area and let it soak in, pretty awkward. I'll go back to have her make other recommendations, and again remind her that riding is my primary exercise. I'm tempted to go ahead and purchase the Push-MetaGrip-Thumb-CMC-Orthosis devices, however expensive. Looks as if they are on sale for a few days.
But Hey - if you pain only shows up after 50 miles, count your blessings!
And good luck!
ps there is a thread on CMC arthritis in this subforum. Annnndd - while it is a bit early, the one hand that I was treating with the gel for a few days seems to be less painful than the one I wasn't treating... so I'll keep it up and try it 2 X day on both wrists for a week. Will report back