How to avoid cycling's most common injury before it sidelines you In the UK, the total number of miles cycled per year has increased f rom 3 billion to 5 billion post-Covid.
Our shoulder team recommends the following steps to minimise the risk of injury:
● Exercise caution when riding on wet surfaces – as this can make turns particularly treacherous.
As cycling continues to increase in popularity, unfortunately, so does the number of cycling related accidents. A broken collarbone or clavicle is one of the most common injuries for a cyclist. Sadly, most professional cyclists will break their collarbone at some point in their career and it is often regarded as a ‘rite of passage’.
● Try not to fall – this is often easier said than done as cyclists can take risks especially with speed. Keep in mind that this is more likely to happen on a descent because you will be moving faster and you are tilted forward.
If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from a fall or collision, and feel that something might be wrong with your collarbone, look out for these signs which might indicate a fracture:
A broken collarbone is usually the result of the way that a rider falls, as the majority of people tend to extend their arm/s to break a fall. The force travels through the arm and up to the shoulder. The collarbone is usually the weakest link in the chain and tends to break first.
● Be aware of your surroundings – look out for rocks and tree stumps, especially when going off-road/track as these are the obstacles that often cause a sudden stop. ● Make sure that your pedals are level – distribute your weight evenly between the left and right pedal. If you are unbalanced while riding, you will be more likely to go over the handlebars.
● Pain that increases with shoulder movement ● Swelling ● Tenderness and bruising ● A bulge on or near your shoulder ● Stiffness or inability to move your shoulder. If you do suspect you have a broken collarbone, you should see a doctor or specialist straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are key.
To book a consultation with one of our shoulder surgeons, please visit orthteamcentre.co.uk or call 0161 447 6888 | @orthteamcentre company/orthteam
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