Injuries and Pain: How Do You Make the Most of It?

Since starting our house renovation in December, my hands and wrists have taken a serious hit. I hadn't thought much about it because we had a lot to do and I really wanted to get it done as quickly as possible, but we are both now feeling the ramifications of our actions (and sadly, we're still not done - though I'm not sure any house is ever "done"). It doesn't help that I started out with hand issues before the work began, but I'm trying to find ways to work through it.

Even though the work has slowed dramatically over the last couple of months and we can go days without touching anything renovation-related, I still experience the same pains and numbness that I did when we were working at a more hardcore rate. When I wake up, my hands are swollen, my fingers don't open and close, I have a couple of trigger fingers that get stuck if I can get them squeezed at all, and the problems seem to be spreading up my arms rather than healing.

We both continue to say that we just need to spend a few days doing absolutely nothing with our hands, but that's no easy task. Just about everything other than sitting somewhere staring is going to require some sort of hand movement or pressure.

One can imagine that this also takes a toll on riding a bike. It's difficult to ride a bicycle and not use hands and even though I spent a great deal of my youth attempting to ride hands-free (who knew it would come in handy later in life?), it isn't entirely practical in adulthood. Though I gravitate toward bicycles that have the ability to take a good deal of pressure off of my hands, no bicycle is hand-pressure free (perhaps a recumbent, but that's a topic of discussion for another day).

It's not the first time I've had injuries to survive during the warmer months of the year, but I think it's one of the very few times I have felt so completely handicapped. I've found myself trying to complete longer distances, only to be completely cut short by my current state of pain. It's amazing to have the will to do something, body and mind that are willing to cooperate, and then be struck down by one seemingly small issue.

As I realize we are more than half way through May, I am aware of how quickly summer is approaching. A bit of panic is setting in because I have big plans for rides this year, and although I understand the current injury isn't something I can push my way through (such as with muscle exhaustion on a long ride), I am frustrated and wanting to get through this so that I can build to longer distances.

A small sneak peek at the new bicycle in the E.V.L. home

I have a new bike that had been in research phase for some time, but a decision was finally made (more to come on this soon). It arrived a few weeks ago, but it's challenging to fully test it when the extent of riding is short distances and lots of stopping in between. In order to get through any type of ride, I've had to come to an understanding that stopping every 2-4 mi/3-6km is an absolute necessity right now and as much as I want to push my way through the pain, this is one battle my obstinance is not going to win.

Rather than completely giving up, I have accepted the reality that, at least for the time being, I will take short rides and/or adventures that require many stops along the way. It's challenging to work up strength in this manner, but when given the alternative of doing no riding at all, I think it makes far more sense to simply do what I am able to do at present.

When you've had to deal with more serious or painful injuries, how have you made it through time off or on your bike? Do your modify riding until you're healed or stay away completely? I realize this is entirely dependent on the injury as some would not allow riding at all, but I wonder how others choose to get through the times that require modification.

Ultimately, I'm glad to be able to still ride, even if it isn't exactly in the manner I had hoped for this spring/summer.