Cycling Injury Prevention Tips from Your Bike Repair Shop in Boca Raton, FL

Cycling is a rewarding hobby. Riders get to burn calories, build muscle and enjoy the outdoors. The activity becomes less enjoyable, though, when you suffer injuries. In our experience as a bike repair shop in Boca Raton, FL, we have seen the results of many accidents. The good news is that many common injuries are avoidable. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and healthy while you enjoy your ride:

• Knee pain: Improper pedal positioning can cause unnecessary knee pain. The result is an overuse injury. When you fasten your cleats to your pedals, ensure you position them correctly. Use a guide for proper positioning. Using cycling insoles can also help prevent knee injuries.
• Lower back pain: Remaining in the same biking position for a long time can put a lot of stress on your spine. Be sure to set your back straight in the position appropriate for your specific bicycle frame style. It can also help to take breaks and stretch your back.
• Achilles tendonitis: First, make sure the type of bike you’re riding is right for your build. Then, check your saddle. If it’s too high, it will keep your toes pointing down. This causes a continuous contraction of your calf muscles that leads to Achilles tendonitis. Visit your bike repair shop in Boca Raton, FL if you need assistance with saddle height adjustment.
• Neck pain: Holding the weight of your head in the same position for a long ride can cause tightness that starts at the base of your skull and extends to your neck and shoulders. To avoid this, shorten the stem to put yourself in a more upright position. Also, try to loosen your grip on the handlebars to help relax your shoulders. Lastly, maintain good posture as you ride.
• Muscle tightness and tearing: As you ride, your body adjusts so you don’t feel muscle tightness. When you try to do something else, you’ll feel this strain. You may even tear a muscle. Always warm up before you ride and cool down afterwards. This stretching will keep your muscles flexible and help you avoid painful tightness and tearing.
• Saddle sores: After many hours in the saddle, you may develop this skin disorder. This rash is painful and frustrating. To avoid it, don’t have the saddle too high. You should also wear proper cycling shorts. It can also be helpful to use a cream to help reduce skin friction against the saddle as you ride.
• Foot numbness: Also referred to as “hot foot,” this condition is usually caused by tight-fitting shoes or socks. It is especially noticeable with extensive hill riding, which puts a lot of pressure on the feet. Make sure your shoes aren’t too tight or too narrow. In warm weather, your feet are more likely to swell as you ride, and you may need to loosen your shoes after you’ve been riding for a while.

Using these proper safety precautions will go a long way toward preventing cycling injuries. If you have any questions about bike frame adjustments or other injury prevention tips, contact your trusted bike repair shop in Boca Raton, FL.

Categorised in: Bike Repair

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