Unless you fall off of the bike, cycling is a generally low-impact activity that is more likely to get you in shape rather than injured. However, like any endurance sport, cycling can lead to a variety of injuries that, if left untreated, can become more serious. At H&D Physical Therapy, we offer targeted physical therapy services to help you prevent and recover from any injuries that may occur when cycling. Continue reading to learn about common cycling injuries and how you can avoid them. 

Cycling Injuries

  1. Lower Back Pain – Back pain in cyclists is usually caused by sitting or hunching in the same position on the bike without breaks for extended periods. Having your bike properly fitted to your body can help you avoid back pain. Improving your core strength is also crucial to preventing back pain. 
  2. Knee Pain – Another common complaint in cyclists is knee pain, often caused by overuse, improper bike fit, and muscle weakness. Adjusting your bike position and seat height can help prevent knee pain. 
  3. Muscle Tightness – Your calves and hamstrings do most of the work when cycling, and muscle tightness can lead to tearing. Stretching the muscles and warming up before you get on the bike can help you avoid painful injuries. 
  4. Achilles Tendonitis – This overuse injury can be a result of improper foot positioning on the bike. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help you prevent this injury from stopping your riding season. 
  5. Hip Pain – Hip pain in cyclists can be caused by bursitis, impingement syndrome, or labral tears. Addressing any muscle imbalances by strengthening your hips will ease tightness and pain. 
  6. Burning Feet – You may feel painful burning in the balls of your feet as a result of hot weather or improper footwear. Make sure your cycling shoes fit correctly and don’t squeeze your feet. 
  7. Neck Pain – Neck pain is usually a result of poor posture and weak muscles. Keeping your neck muscles relaxed and maintaining good posture can prevent neck pain. 
  8. Fatigue – Fatigue can cause a buildup of lactic acid and lead to muscle pain. Taping and massage therapy can help you relax muscles and avoid injury. 

Cycling is good for your health if done correctly, but it can also lead to injury if you don’t know how to do it correctly. At H&D Physical Therapy, our team is here to provide you with the tools you need to become the most efficient cyclist so that you can ride your bike pain-free! Contact us today to learn more!