Cycling

Most Common Injuries

Bicycling racing was extremely popular at the turn of the century. Since there has been a gradual increase in popularity of bicycling, and recently recreational, fitness, and competitive use of the bicycle has grown rapidly. With the increasing popularity of bicycling, the sports medicine physician has been confronted with a rash of cycling injuries. majority of these injuries has been caused by overuse of particular muscles. The recent popularity of mountain biking has given cyclists the opportunity to experience a whole new variety of acute, traumatic, and overuse injuries. Getting to know your body's ability can enable you to prepare properly and get the most out out of every mile while avoiding these all to common injuries:

1. Pulled muscle. (Known as strains, these injuries can limit or end participation and may be caused by poor warm-up or fatique.)
2. Sprains and/or strains of the foot. (Caused by training techniques and/or footwear.)
3. Sprained knees and anlkes. (Caused by poor footing)
4. Hip and back pain. (Causes are most often complicated and serious.)

More About Injuries

Treatment

The following first aid should be used for almost all athletic injuries: pulled muscles, sprained liagaments or broken bones. These guidelines should NOT be used instead of visting a doctor.

R.I.C.E.
• Rest- Stop using the injured bosy part the minute it is hurt. Use a sling, crutches or splint.
• Ice- The more blood that collects at the injury site the longer it will take to heal. Keep ice on for 20 minutes per half hour for the first 24 to 72 hours. Place a damp towel or dressing between the ice and skin.
• Compression- Wrap an elastic bandage firmly over the ice and around the injured body part. If cramping or throbbing occurs, unwrap at once.
• Elevation- Raise the injured part above your heart.

The R.I.C.E. program should be used for the first 24 to 72 hours after injury.

When you should see a doctor?

You know your body best. If intuition tells you that something is wrong, see your doctor. If you are in doubt, see your doctor.

1. Pain. Pain is natures way of saying don't do something. When it speaks, listen.
2. All joint injuries. All injuries to a joint or its ligaments should be examined by a physician. If they are not treated quickly, these injuries can become more serious.
3. Loss of function. If you cannot move an arm, leg, or any part of either, then you have lost function. Pain and/or deformity may be present.
4. Pain that lasts for more than two weeks. Persistent pain indicates something serious. If the degree of pain is constant or slightly improved, see your doctor.

Prevention

Knowledge of the technical aspects of cycling and familiarity with the injuries of cyclists will assist the cyclist in what he is capable of thus eliminating strain. Anticipatory counseling may help avert many of the injuries, especially the more serious head injuries. This idea focuses on cyclists' common injuries, their equipment and training. Also, regular stretching may reduce injuries.

Keys to Proper Warm-up

1. Before stretching do a few light exercises to increase the blood flow within muscles.
2. Stretch-Examples of Stretching