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Showing posts with the label Bicycle Injury Prevention

Dealing with a Sore Butt After Cycling

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If you're an avid cyclist, you've likely experienced that unpleasant soreness in your rear after a long ride. A sore butt from cycling, also known as "saddle sores", is a common cycling injury caused by prolonged pressure and friction between your skin and bike seat. While it's not fun to deal with, the good news is that saddle sores are preventable and treatable if you follow some simple tips.  What Causes a Sore Butt from Cycling? There are a few key culprits behind post-ride butt pain: - Too much time spent sitting - Long hours in the saddle without breaks puts excessive pressure on your backside. This can restrict blood flow, causing numbness and soreness. - Poor bike fit - If your seat height, fore/aft position, or tilt is off, it can create hot spots and uneven pressure points. This irritates the soft tissue and leads to chafing. - Wrong saddle - A saddle that doesn't properly support your sit bones or has inadequate padding can cause discomfort duri...

Pedal Pain-Free: How to Prevent Common Cycling Injuries

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Cycling is a great form of exercise, but it can also put stress on your body if you're not careful. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a long distance cyclist, or just starting out, it's important to take steps to prevent common cycling injuries. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common injuries that cyclists face, and offer tips on how to avoid them. Knee Pain Knee pain is one of the most common injuries among cyclists, often caused by overuse or improper bike fit. To prevent knee pain, make sure your bike is properly adjusted to fit your body, and consider investing in clipless pedals and shoes to help distribute the load across your whole foot. Additionally, make sure to ease into longer rides gradually, and take breaks to stretch your legs and rest your knees. I can always tell when I have been overtraining because my knees scream out at me a little more than usual. When that happens, I take a day off and things go back to normal pretty quickly. Lower Back Pa...

The Dangers of Obsessive Cycling: A Replacement for Other Dependencies

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Cycling has become a popular activity for many people, from casual riders to professional athletes. It can be an excellent way to improve physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being. However, like any other activity, it's essential to maintain balance and avoid obsessive behavior. Training obsessively as a cyclist can actually just be a replacement for other dependencies and it's essential to recognize and address these potential issues. I can attest to the fact that I walk a fine line between too much and just right when training for my long rides. Obsessive behavior in cycling can take many forms, such as spending excessive amounts of time training or pushing oneself beyond reasonable limits. While cycling can be a healthy outlet, it can also become a crutch for other underlying problems. For example, someone who struggles with addiction may turn to cycling as a way to cope with their urges. While cycling is a better alternative than harmful dependencies like alco...

Common Health Concerns for Cyclists to Keep in Mind

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As a cyclist, you may feel like you're in great shape and at low risk for health problems. After all, you're regularly engaging in physical activity that strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles. However, it's important to remember that even fit cyclists can experience health issues, and to stay aware of the most common problems that can crop up. One common issue for cyclists is heart problems , including heart attacks and arrhythmias. While regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease, it's important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart problem. Another concern is overuse injuries , such as tendinitis, bursitis, and knee pain. These can be caused by repetitive motions and strain on the joints and muscles. Be sure to warm up properly before your ride, take breaks as needed, and use proper form and technique to reduce your risk of injury. Skin conditions are also a ...

Acupuncture and Cycling: A Winning Combination for Seniors

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As people age, it is common for them to experience various physical ailments, including joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For seniors who enjoy cycling, these issues can be especially frustrating, as they may limit their ability to enjoy their favorite activity. However, there is a potential solution that has been gaining popularity in recent years: acupuncture. I have used acupuncture a number of years and have always been happy with the results it gives me. I find that my joint pain is less after going through a session. I first went to an acupuncturist back in my 20's when someone said that I could throw away my blood pressure medicine after going a few times. Surprisingly, it worked too. I was sold on it and that is why I still use it today in my late 60's. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to help alleviate pain and improve overall health by restoring the ...

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