Love Cycling? Beware of These Common Injuries!

We all have friends who got injured while cycling. Some had an accident or crash. Others complain about back pain or muscle aches.

Yet, cycling remains one of the safest sports. In fact, it’s no more dangerous than walking or driving. On top of that, its benefits outweigh the risks. From improved overall fitness to reduced heart disease risk and greater endurance, this sport can boost your health on every level.

However, there are a few common injuries every cyclist should be aware of. Since most of them are preventable, it’s your responsibility to stay safe on the road.

Patellar Tendonitis

Riding too long using big gears or having a seat that’s too low may lead to patellar tendonitis. This injury affects the area just below the kneecap, causing pain, stiffness, and weakness in the knee. The pain usually starts after exercise and gets worse over the day.

There are a couple of things you can do to prevent these issues. First of all, raise your seat if it’s too low. Also, vary your pedal cadence. Ask a PT or a physiotherapist to recommend you exercises targeting the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. The stronger these muscles are, the lower your risk of injury.

Lower Back Pain

Any cyclist has experienced lower back pain at some point. This problem is due to spending long hours on the bike, which causes excessive flexion in the lumbar region. If left unaddressed, it can lead to more serious conditions like sciatica and pinched nerves.

The best way to prevent lower pain back from cycling is to strengthen your core. Strong core muscles will allow you to sustain long efforts in aggressive riding positions while increasing your power and balance.

If you already suffer from back pain, contact a physiotherapist. He will use massage, spinal manipulation, and other techniques to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. A skilled therapist can also develop exercise programs tailored to your individual needs.

Clavicle Fracture

This type of injury may occur when you fall from your bike or have a crash. It causes shoulder pain, swelling and bruising around the shoulder, tingling and numbness down the arm, difficulty moving your arm, and general discomfort.

Clavicle fractures account for up to five percent of all fractures. Surgery is only required in severe cases. Treatment usually involves allowing the bone to heal.

Remember that cycling is a safe sport. If you keep fit, listen to your body, and pay attention to your surroundings, it’s unlikely to experience injuries.