Lacerations can occur when falling against sharp objects such as a chainring in a crash involving several riders. Lacerations of the head and forehead are also common in cyclists not wearing head protection. These lacerations may not be significant enough to withdraw the cyclists from the race because of bleeding alone; however, the flow of blood down the cyclists' face often obscures vision.
Contusions and fractures are also the byproduct of a fall and usually affect the outstretched arm, shoulder or hip. This blunt trauma usually will prevent a rider from finishing a particular stage in a race.
Saddle sores are another common and irritating problem. In the mildest form, saddle sores present chaffing of the buttocks of novice riders. A little rest and careful training usually allow the rider's seat to toughen into accepting the bicycle seat. Properly padded cycling pants, gel seats, and occasional sitz baths usually handle more advanced cases. Treatment centers around good wound care, frequent changes in pants, application of warm heat and air drying and avoidance of infection.
Nerve compression syndromes of the hand are common complaints in recreational and competitive cyclists. The paresthesias usually appera after riding for a period of time. Ulnar nerve compressions produces paresthesias and numbness over the fifth finger and the ulnar. Carpel tunnel syndrome with the median nerve compression gives typical distribution of paresthesias of the remaining fingers of the hand not affected by the ulnar nerve. Anything that takes pressure off of the nerve, such as padded bicycle gloves, padded handle bar grips or arrow style bars will accomplish this purpose. Riding for shorter periods of time, changing riding positions and shortening the distance of handlebar to seat all help to take pressure off the hands.
The other site affected by nerve pressure problems in the genital area. Penile and pudendal nerve pressure caused by too upward tilted seats or a poor riding position produce these problems. Paresthesias and numbness can last for a considerable amount of time but can be resolved with rest from the riding position. Prevention includes proper seating position and the use of innovative seat that doesn't have the forward protruding horn. Although cycling provides only concentric exercise, which does not stress tendons and muscles as much as eccentric exercise, there are still episodes of tendonitis during the inital part of training or heavy training loads. These types of tendonitis affect the lower extremity. Treatment is directed at reducing the inflammation by rest, ice, antiinflammatory medication and physical therapy. Once inflammation is reduced a program of aggressive stretching exercises is started to decrease the tightness of the band at the site of friction.