Since the Cajunman Triathlon began in 1996, more and more people have become active in triathlons and cycling in general! Lafayette is making strides in becoming a more “cycle friendly” city, but more improvements can still be made. Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show that cycling fatalities continue to increase each year, so above all, safety when cycling should be our number one concern as cyclists and drivers. Always wear helmets, use reflective gear, obey traffic laws, avoid congested areas, and, if riding alone, let someone know your ride plan. Let’s prevent tragic accidents altogether so that the only cyclists in the headlines are race results!
With that being said, cycling is a great form of fitness and of course common injuries will occur. Here are some of the most common and how to prevent and treat them.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is the most common injury to cyclists. It can be related to patella or quadriceps tendinitis, plica syndrome, IT band friction syndrome or patella chondromalcia. Usually it is related to overuse, so rest or reducing your mileage can help. If it persists be sure to check your seat height and tilt as this could lead to increase e stress on your knees while riding. Shoe cushions and wedges can help.
Head Injuries
WEAR A HELMET! Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by 85%! Helmets are inexpensive and they may save your life! It’s just not worth it!
Fractures
The most common fractures that occur in cycle crashes are clavicle (collarbone) fractures and wrist fractures which may involve the distal radius or the scaphoid. These occur when the rider is thrown over the handle bars taking impact on the upper extremities. Most of these can be treated nonoperatively with immobilization (sling or cast) but occasionally surgery is required. You should see your local orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.
Neck/Back Pain
This usually occurs from riding in one position for too long. Having a strong core and maintaining flexibility through a good stretching regimen can help prevent this. Again, check your bike to make sure you have the right seat height and your handlebars are not too low. And remember, many roads in south Louisiana may bounce you around, so choose your path carefully!
Wrist/Forearm Pain or Numbness
This can often be prevented by riding with a slight bend in your elbow so that they act like shock absorbers. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or “cyclist’s palsy” may manifest with numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand. This can be prevented by using padded gloves and by shifting your weight to the outer aspect of your palms.
Urogenital Problems
A common complaint of male riders who ride a lot is pudendal neuropathy which is numbness or pain in the genital or rectal area. This occurs due to compression of the blood supply and nerves to that area. A wider padded seat may help or even removing part of the seat is necessary. Changing the tilt of the seat or using padded shorts may relieve the pressure on the pudendal nerve and blood supply. Males who spend excessive amounts of time on the bike have a higher risk of other problems also such as erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Foot Pain or Numbness
These are very common complaints and are often due to narrow or ill fitted shoe wear. In rare cases the cause could be nerve compression or exertional compartment syndrome. So, symptoms that persist for long periods of time after riding may require physician consultation.
Cycling is a fun sport and a great way to stay fit which can be enjoyed by all ages. Properly fitted and adjusted gear can help prevent problems and injuries. Consult your physician if any of these problems become severe and non responsive to simple treatments like rest, ice, and over the counter medications. Above all, ride smartly and safely! And ALWAYS wear your helmet!