We love helping cyclists overcome injury, but preventing injury is even better!
Prevent and treat these common cycling injuries with our guide. Don’t let injury keep you from your bike. Practical advice about body conditioning as well as your bike set up will prevent injuries as well as rehabilitate existing ones.
We have advice on the following common cycling injuries:
- Knee pain
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Iliotibial band pain
- Hip pain
- Hand pain
- Burning feet (metatarsalgia)
The eight most common musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries associated with cycling are:
- Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – PFPS): Often referred to as “cyclist’s knee,” this injury results from the repetitive motion of pedaling, causing strain on the kneecap and surrounding tissues.
- Lower Back Pain: Prolonged cycling in a forward-leaning position can put stress on the lower back muscles and spine, leading to discomfort or injury.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Overuse of the Achilles tendon from repetitive pedaling motion, especially with improper technique or bike setup, can lead to inflammation and pain.
- Neck Pain: Holding the head up for extended periods while cycling can strain the neck muscles, particularly if the handlebars are set too low.
- Hip Pain (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome): Repetitive hip movement during cycling can cause irritation of the tendons and muscles around the hip, leading to pain on the outside of the hip.
- Wrist and Hand Pain (Handlebar Palsy/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome): Prolonged pressure on the wrists and hands while gripping the handlebars can lead to nerve compression and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain.
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): This condition is caused by the overuse of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running from the hip to the knee, leading to pain on the outside of the knee.
- Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia): Repetitive pressure on the forefoot during cycling, especially if the shoes are too tight or improperly fitted, can lead to pain in the ball of the foot.
These injuries are often the result of overuse, improper bike setup, poor riding technique, or inadequate conditioning and can be mitigated with proper bike fitting, stretching, strengthening exercises, and attentive riding habits.
