Tendonitis and wrist problems

[tctrek]

I've had trigger thumb in both thumbs and have had a total of three shots in each thumb (base area). The pain was so bad before the shots that I could barely open a door because of the gripping motion needed. I also had tried acupunture with little success.

Right now, both thumbs are ok...not great, but ok. I actually am selling my road bike because I can't use the drops anymore and even with shims, have some strength issues with the brakes. However, I can ride my mountain bike ok and have pretty much converted it into a commuter bike anyway. As soon as the road bike sells, I'm going to see what options I have...handlebarwise for a new bike

I really think the cause of my trigger thumbs was the pressure due to teaching so many Spinning classes. I teach six classes weekly and at one club, the bikes are extremely uncomfortable (Schwinns) and no matter how carefully I am with my set-up, the handlebars really bother my hands so now I wear a immobilizing brace on my right hand when teaching the classes on that particular group of bikes or if I teach at another club that has Lemond bikes. Luckily four of the classes I teach are on Kieser M3's and I haven't had a problem with those handlebars.

I have also found that massage helps a lot. It's been about five months since my last shot and I'm hoping the third time was the charm since surgery is the next option and being self-employed and having a high-deductible on my health insurance...I'd like to stay away from that if possible.

Before you give up completely, you may want to try acupuncture: http://www.acupuncture-boston.com/trigger.php

I have two trigger fingers: the middle and ring fingers on my right hand. I've had the first shot in October. It lasted about 4 months. I had the 2nd shot on Tuesday. Doc said if this one doesn't work that we should schedule surgery. But, if it flares up again, I'm going for acupuncture first. Surgery will be my last option. I just couldn't imagine giving up my bike... I also take spinning classes at least twice a week. My hand doesn't bother me so much spinning, but hurts a lot on the road bike, especially braking.

[tctrek]

Doh... sorry, Raindrop -- just re-read your post and see you tried acupuncture.
What a bummer... maybe the surgery would be your last resort?