Introduction
Cycling is good sport to maintain weight and a person’s overall health since it works out the whole body at once.
Common Injuries
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Cyclist’s Knee)
This is caused by overuse and repetitive friction between kneecap and thighbone. Its symptoms include knee pain, joint line pain or retropatellar pain that occurs during knee flexion and contraction of the quadriceps.
- Lower back Pain
Cycling in an aggressive riding position for a long time without a break, puts lots of stress on the spine. Excess flexion in the spine’s lumbar region can even lead to sciatica.
- Muscle Tightness
The calves and hamstring muscles become too tight can lead to tearing.
- Saddle Sores
A skin disorder caused by the friction of the skin against the clothes and the saddle leading to rashes.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Foot Numbness
Exertional compartment syndrome causes numbness from increased pressure in lower leg and nerve compression. Improper shoes and cleats placed too far forward applies pressure on the ball of the foot and induce numbness.
- Achilles Tendonitis
The inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to overuse.
- Metatarsalgia (Hot foot syndrome)
The forefoot’s smaller nerves get compressed against the metatarsal bones of the foot, due to pressure between the foot and the pedal.
- Muscle Fatigue
Taking long rides without breaks allows Lactic acid buildup in muscles leading to muscle fatigue and pain.
- Head Injuries
This includes a cut in the cheek to a traumatic brain injury.
Neck and Shoulder Injuries
- Neck Pain
Muscle tightness at the skull’s base running along the neck’s sides to the shoulders since these muscles hold the weight of the head for a long time during cycling.
- Broken Clavicle or Scaphoid
The clavicle (collarbone) and the scaphoid (carpal bone on the thumb’s side) are prone to injuries when the arm is extended to brace a fall.
Hands and Arms Injuries
- Handlebar Palsy
Compression of Ulnar nerve as it passes through the wrist to the ring and little fingers, due to the position of the wrist and grip on the handlebar, causing numbness, tingling and weakness of fingers.
- Wrist Strain
Injury to the ligament can occur from a sudden force, like bending of wrist suddenly, leading to swollen wrist and pain.
Urogenital Issues
There will be numbness or pain in the genital or rectal area, called pudendal neuropathy, caused by compression of blood supply to genital region.
Causes
- Tight Shoes
- Improper Positioning of bicycle (shoe) cleats
- Improper positioning of seat
- Long rides without proper breaks.
- Improper bike fit.
Prevention
- Cycling Equipment
- Lowering the saddle but not too low.
- Raise the seat or move seat back to decrease knee flexion
- Use Shorter crankshafts
- Using a wider seat with padding, tilting of seat or padded cycling shorts will help relieve genital pressure.
- Changing shoes to a larger size or different sole stiffness
- Moving the cleats back
- Changing to a different pedal type
- Wearing a helmet can prevent head injuries.
- Usage of kinesiology tape will help for full range of motion.
- Usage of cream can help with the saddles sores.
- Shorten stem to get a more upright position.
Cycling Technique
- Ride in lower gears
- Do exercises to strengthen the core muscles.
- Loosen grip on handlebars.
- Warm-up exercises before starting are recommended.
Treatment
Dr Banarji B.H, Best Orthopaedic Surgeon provides best Cycling injury treatment.
