Whether you’re just starting out or have been biking for years, it’s important to take the necessary precautions so that you can avoid injuries. After all, if you get injured, then that’s less time you can bike on the trails in the South Loop, and who wants that? Learn about some of the most common cycling injuries with IMPACT Physical Therapy as well as how you can treat them. Then, visit us for all of your physical therapy and recovery needs.
Cycling Knee Injury
A common cycling injury is an injury to the knee, which is unsurprising considering that your knees play an important part in cycling. More common cycling knee injuries include pain specifically around the knee cap. But, some knee injuries involve pain around the outer knee as well. Here’s how you can prevent cycling knee injury while biking through Lakeview:
How to Prevent Knee Injury:
- Shoe implants
- Wedges beneath the shoes
- Cleat positions
Cycling Head Injury
Head injuries sustained while cycling can range anywhere from a cut on your cheek to a brain injury. It doesn’t take too much to cause your bike to go off course and crash with you landing on your head. One of the best things you can do to prevent head injury is wear a helmet, which can be bought inexpensively at most Norridge-are stores.
Cycling Neck/Back Injury
When you sit riding in one position for too long, you can run the risk of injuring or putting stress on your neck. Poor form while cycling can also contribute to neck injury. Tight hamstrings or tight hip flexor muscles can cause the back to arch, leading to an overextension of the neck. Here are some things you can do to prevent neck or back injury:
How to Prevent Neck/Back Injury:
- Do shoulder shrugs and neck stretches
- Ensure that your handlebars are at the proper height
- Adjust the grip on the handlebars
- Improve your cycling form
Other Common Cycling Injuries
While the mentioned injuries are some of the most common, here are some other cycling injuries that can occur:
- Cycling ankle injury
- Cycling wrist/forearm injury
- Foot numbness or tingling
When to Seek Cycling Injury Treatment
While most of these injuries can be prevented by taking small precautionary measures, sometimes injuries may need more serious attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should see a physician immediately:
- Bleeding
- Severe pain
- Loss of sensation
- Increased weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms or more, visit IMPACT Physical Therapy in Chicago or any of our available locations for immediate care.
Get Cycling Injury Treatment at IMPACT Physical Therapy
Now that you know some of the common cycling injuries that you could sustain, you can take the necessary steps to get proper care, so you can keep cycling. Contact us for more information.
