Safety Tips to Avoid Spring Cycling Injuries

Spring is in the air, finally! With the warmer weather comes a rush of cyclists hitting the trails on their bikes. Whether you’re just beginning a new hobby cycling or you are a pro with years of riding experience, you are at risk for orthopedic injury affecting bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.

Common Cycling Injuries and How to Avoid Overuse and Traumatic Injuries

Whether from overuse or a traumatic injury from a fall or wreck, orthopedic specialists treat a variety of cycling injuries including broken hands or collarbone, ankle fractures, Achilles tendonitis and patellar tendonitis.

Tendonitis, or tendon inflammation, is an overuse injury that cyclists frequently experience in the knees and feet from pedaling. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or cyclist’s knee, is another overuse issue, caused by the softening, roughening, or the wearing down of the joint components under the kneecap.

To avoid damage to tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues as well as bones:

• Consult an orthopedist for an extensive physical exam before you begin a new routine. A specialist will determine whether you have any conditions that may increase your chances of injury.
• Have your bike inspected to ensure that gears, brakes, and other components are in good working order. Also, get a bike fitting. A professional can make minor changes to the position of your bike seat or stem to improve your posture while riding.
• Warm up and cool down properly before each and every ride to protect soft tissue from microscopic tears. Ease into a new exercise program slowly, building up to extended workout periods.
• Wear proper safety gear, including padded gloves

and especially helmets to protect against brain damage. Orthotic inserts help protect the feet from overuse injuries.

• Listen to your body and slow down when you start to feel fatigued. If you have aches and pains, you are probably overworking your body and you should back off the exercise until any swelling or inflammation has gone down.
• Learn how to fall. To avoid or reduce your risk of fracture, your hands should remain on the handlebars while falling, helping your body absorbs the shock more evenly.

What to Do When Injured From Cycling

A direct orthopedic care specialist in Newark will evaluate any injuries you sustain while cycling and determine the best treatment options so you can get back on your bike as safely and quickly as possible.

To learn more about visit here: Direct Orthopedic Care Newark or Urgent Orthopedic Care