it sounds like you have what we call a "soft tissue injury. " this indeed could be as you suspect damage to a tendon or ligament. however that doesn't mean you need an mri. unless they are out-and-out torn (that is detached from the bone or muscle) tendons and ligaments usually aren't treated with surgery or any invasive intervention. they frequently will heal up on their own -- it just takes a long time. you can help the process along by avoiding activities that cause pain. don't lift heavy frying pans if you can avoid it. you probably can't avoid shifting gears on your bike but if you can take alternative transportation for awhile to let your ligaments and tendons rest then they will heal more quickly. so sorry to hear about your spill. hope you heal up quickly! wishing you well~~
fell on wrist and elbow riding bike. nothing fractured per xray but still painful and sore when moved in certain ways. dec 25 braced myself with wrist then hit elbow. had x-rays done on dec 26th and doctor said nothing was fractured. wrist pretty much has full range of motion but when i put strain on it i. e. shifting my bicycle with my first and middle fingers or lifting a heavy frying pan it is weak and painful. maybe just badly sprained but i am just worried that i may have done damage to a ligament or muscle and not sure if i need to get an mri done. any thoughts from experts would be greatly appreciated!