Biking with a cast?

Three weeks ago, I was on the Lakefront Trail going northbound in the northbound lane. A gaggle of pedestrians were in the southbound lane, and another cyclist tried to pass them... causing his bike and mine to collide head-on. Thankfully, there was no head impact or bike damage. But, I was bleeding on my left hand, and my right side hurt A LOT.

I dealt with pain for two weeks before going to the doctor and realizing that my right wrist was fractured. Therefore, I am in a cast for three more weeks, and the doctor strongly recommended that I stay off the bike while I have the cast on.

Does anyone on the forum have experience biking while in a short arm cast? Although I will probably be compliant with doctors' orders, I don't think I'm going to like it...

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 19, 2014 at 6:16pm
Noah, many of us on the CL have gone through injury down time and it sucks , especially during good weather and when things are happening, but it's important to let it heal right now. Bones can fuse together improperly and there is also a chance of nerve pain and or arthritis pain developing. Hang in there, and let it heal right ! It's only three weeks!
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on July 20, 2014 at 3:33am

I'm pretty sure that your doctor knows more than me (and other chainlinkers) about why you shouldn't be riding with your particular injury & cast.

If you REALLY want to keep biking and want a second opinion then my advice is to go get one from Another Qualified Physician. 

Permalink Reply by Walter Dworak on July 20, 2014 at 5:01am
Do what the doc says man, the price of having to repair a bad heal etc is way worse.
Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on July 20, 2014 at 11:37am

I vote bike trainer until healed - or adult tricycle or unicycle. Something which doesn't rely on the broken wrist.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on July 20, 2014 at 4:12pm

Someone might break a leg!

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on July 21, 2014 at 1:48am


LOL


h' 1.0 said:

I would make sure the theater company's liability policy covers outdoor activities before attempting to have the whole cast bike with you.



James BlackHeron said:

Someone might break a leg!

Permalink Reply by Michelle Milham on July 21, 2014 at 3:32am

Please do what the doctor said sucky as it is. Could you maybe ride? Sure! Would you risk making everything worse? Definitely! 

I work in ortho and we get calls for people who have tried stuff like this all the time. Its never great... 

Permalink Reply by pistola on July 28, 2014 at 9:15am

It's all about risk vs. reward.  A couple of years ago I broke my right hand about 4 weeks before RAGBRAI.  The doctor told me to stay off the bike for 6-8 weeks.  I had no cast, just a brace and stayed off the bike until RAGBRAI.  I did ride the trainer at home and went to RAGBRAI against doctor's orders.

Could you fall and make your fractured hand worse?  Yes.  Does that mean you should always follow doctor's orders?  That's more subjective and really depends on what you want to accomplish.  I've seen fellow bike racers with casts on.  If I were you, I'd avoid commuting and any 'B' level bike races.  Or just stay off the bike, stay on the trainer, heal up and save it up for cross!

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Quist on July 28, 2014 at 2:54pm

I'm currently biking more than I have in years due to running injuries... I came back too quickly after a 6-week layoff in the fall and I've been trying to get things right for the past 6 months.

Give yourself time to heal, but find activities you can do in the meantime.

If you have done any serious training in the past, you know your body better than your doctor does. Do everything you can to accelerate healing the break, that's a given, but find ways to maintain your usual fitness. And if that means occasionally violating the letter of doctor's orders in favor of a better outcome.... well, my attorney won't let me say "Go for it!" Use your best judgement.

Have you considered running? :-)

Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on July 28, 2014 at 2:59pm

This. Cross train and heal. Try taking the CTA in the morning and running home if you were commuting before the injury.


Jonathan Quist said:


Have you considered running? :-)

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Quist on July 28, 2014 at 3:37pm

The beauty of running, speaking as someone who started running seriously 2 years ago at age 52, is that you will find your balance improves dramaticallly.

That, and calorie burn is faster than on wheels...

And my hat is off to h' 1.0 for the practical advice on thespian insurance waivers...

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