Racer X Virtual Trainer

Hi,

I have been havin trouble with forearm pain this season on the underside of my forearms. The section of forearm that appears to attach to the index finger is where im having trouble. That section of my forearm is constanstly hard and painfull. When I ride after a few laps this becomes worse and I can't hold on, especially the right arm. I have followed the 19 week training plan from start to finish and the forearms started to hurt when I got near the end of the strength training phase where I really started to increase the weight. When doing the deadlift with dumbells and lunges with dumbells I struggled to hold onto the weight and my legs wernt even near failure! I have never struggled with arm pump before and this is ruining my season, I have been going to Physio therapy for about 2 months now and he has told me that the problem is with that section of forearm not being strong enough. I have been carrying out strength exercises and stretches he has given me on the forearm since but the problem is still there. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks alot
Jason

Have you been seen by a Doctor (Orthopedic) to get an xray or MRI? This is not normal and it sounds like you have an injury to the muscle or tendons and not just a simple "weak muscle."

_________________
Tim Crytser
Your Virtual Trainer
www.racerxVT.com

Thanks for the reply Tim. I haven't seen a doctor, only seen the Physio. Maybe an MRI should be the next step as I haven't really seen any improvement.

Go see a doctor for sure! Nothing against the Physio but I highly doubt your problem is a muscle weakness issue. If you are having pain while holding a dumbbell, something else is going on.

_________________
Tim Crytser
Your Virtual Trainer
www.racerxVT.com

Thanks Tim, I'll let you know when I've seen a doctor. Hopefully I'll have some answers!

Hello Tim,
I have seen a doctor about my forearms and he has said that it's chronic compartment syndrome. I have taken a couple months off to rest them and see if they become any better. There is still no improvement even after being off the bike for 3 months and they seem to be getting worse! He has suggested the only real option to improve them is having a fasciotomy. What are you views on the surgery and has anyone had any experience of having this done and the outcome?
Thanks
Jason

My view on any surgery is to get a second opinion. Make sure you are seeing a highly respected doctor and if they think surgery is the only option, then get it done.

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Tim Crytser
Your Virtual Trainer
www.racerxVT.com

Thanks for the quick reply.
Thanks for the advice and the doctor is a specialist through private medical insurance so he should be respected.. I am seeing him today to go over the MRIs i requested to ensure there is nothing else it could be and decide from there.
Thanks
Jason

Don't be shy about getting a second opinion. It is standard practice in medicine. Your doctor will not be insulted.

_________________
Tim Crytser
Your Virtual Trainer
www.racerxVT.com

Hi Jason;

Thanks for the email of what is an interesting ailment! Based only on your description, this sounds a bit like chronic exertional compartment syndrome, thought the fact that it only involves your index finger is a bit strange. A diagnostic ultrasound would be a reasonable approach at this point, as you've clearly given conservative therapy a solid try for the past two months. Chronic Exertional Compartment syndrome can be diagnosed by measuring the pressure within a specifici compartment. A physicatrist (physican who specializes in physical and occupational rehabilitation) would be the one to perform such a test.

A myofascial treatment approach might be helpful in a case like this - consider seeking out someone who does Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Soft Tissue Technique. These are aggressive stripping techniques that can break down layers of scar tissue adhesion that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Best,

Dr. Dale Macdonald

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Dr. Dale Macdonald
Chiropractic Sport Specialist
Director – Elite Sport Performance