The Forge

Cycle Injuries

Cycling Injuries cycling is a fantastic low impact way to stay fit with a reduced risk of pain and injury due to the non weight-bearing nature of the exercise.

Most injuries occur due to poor or improper riding technique, equipment and bicycle fitting. All of which can be corrected and improved at bicycle. Despite the low impact nature of cycling some injuries do occur. bicycle have teamed up with The Forge Clinic in Richmond to help customers prevent, treat and overcome injury so they can get the most from their cycling experience.

Below is an overview summary of some of the common problems encountered with cycling. Remember that this is only for your reference and if you are suffering symptoms it is advisable that you seek professional help. Click here If you think The Forge Clinic could help you with a problem or alternatively call 020 8332 6184 to book an appointment.

Knee Pain

The Knee is the most prone joint to injury during cycling as most of the force is transmitted via the knee cap. Twisting injuries are rare but the repetitive action of peddling can lead to wear and tear on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) particularly if the biomechanical set up for you on the bike is poor. Common causes of knee pain are:

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This refers to pain emanating from the undersurface of the kneecap mainly due to poor tracking and biomechanics. This condition often leads to Chondromalacia Patella (see below).

Chondromalacia Patella
This a more common in younger athletes but more senior versions exist. A softening of the cartilage under the kneecap occurs due to repetitive trauma, overuse or poor knee alignment with muscle imbalance. This causes friction to the undersurface of the kneecap resulting in damage to the cartilage. The sensation is a dull pain around or under the kneecap that worsens with walking (particularly down stairs etc). In more elderly patients or in severe cases this may lead to Osteoarthritis (see below).

Osteoarthritis
This is the medical term applied to wear and tear of joint cartilage. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling and a reduced range of movement with morning stiffness being common.

Patella Tendonitis
Again mainly associated with repetitive poor biomechanical action through the knee it causes pain after exercise just below the knee cap and can be very disabling if left untreated. Often associated with Patella Pain Syndrome.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Runners Knee)
Caused by tightness in the long tendon like structure that runs down the outside of the thigh bone rubbing on the outside of the knee. Reasonably common and easy to treat with advice, stretches and treatment.

Arm & Wrist Problems

Ulnar Neuropathy (Handlebar Palsy)
Tingling and pain is associated with compression on a nerve as it enters the wrist which may be pressed on with long periods of pressure on the handlebars from the wrists. Neck problems must be ruled out if tingling symptoms are experienced in the upper limb.

Neck & Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be complicated in cyclists and requires a correct postural bike set up as well as work on flexability. Cycling will naturally help with flexibility but certain muscles (hip flexors in particular) have to be stretched (see are stretches section! ) as they can become chronically shortened, leading to an increase in low back pain. Most low back pain is treatable in some form and even some simple changes can have a dramatic difference to your cycling pleasure.

Sun Damage!
Always be aware that you are exposed to the elements as a cyclist with the Sun being no exception. Wear protective sun factor or appropriate clothing.