Orthopedic trauma in bicycling -Part 2
Το τραύμα και η Ορθοπαιδική στην ποδηλασία Μέρος 2ο.
Κακώσεις από εκτεταμένη άσκηση/χρήση του ποδηλάτου.
Skin irritation.
A common issue among cyclists is irritation of the buttocks and the inner thigh due to friction from bicycle use, especially at the beginning of the competitive season or after a long absence from the sport.This problem will subside as the skin gradually adapts to the cyclist's routine. Until then, local care is a recommended treatment.
Peripheral Neuropathies..
Cyclists often suffer from peripheral neuropathies due to the pressure they apply to their hands while leaning on the handlebars during exercise. The median and ulnar nerves are the nerves involved in this type of discomfort.
The cyclist should monitor the symptoms they experience from time to time. The median nerve is affected when the athlete shows numbness in the palm of the first three fingers, while the ulnar nerve causes numbness in the palmar surface of the little finger and ring finger.
In the presence of such symptoms and their persistence, the cyclist should evaluate their equipment (bicycle frame, saddle height, and handlebar position and height). At the same time, they should try to relax their grip during training or racing whenever possible.
Strengthening the muscles of the wrist and forearm, along with stretching exercises, can reduce the occurrence and persistence of symptoms. However, if the symptoms continue despite these measures, the athlete should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
In the perineal area (the area of the body that comes into contact with the bicycle saddle – the region between the genitals and the anus), improper saddle design or incorrect positioning can lead to pressure on the pudendal nerves.
The cyclist may experience numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the perineal area or in the genital region. These symptoms may initially be intermittent and, if left untreated, can become permanent over time.
An athlete experiencing such symptoms should check their equipment (bicycle frame, saddle position, height, and suitability) and adjust the intensity and duration of their training. If these symptoms are ignored, the condition can become permanent. There are indications that this type of neuropathy can lead to impotence, erectile dysfunction, and urinary disturbances.
Overuse syndroms.
In the conclusion of this article, the importance of proper training technique for cyclists is emphasized once again. Overuse syndromes and symptomatic muscle imbalances are common consequences of mistakes in training and in the adjustment of the bicycle's parameters.
Syndromes such as iliotibial band syndrome in the thigh, extending to the corresponding knee, as well as pain in the anterior compartment of the knee from issues related to the patellofemoral joint, the patella, or the patellar tendon, can also be attributed to mechanical factors related to adjustments in saddle height and position, bicycle frame size, and the position of the pedals in relation to knee flexion, among others.
Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are conditions that may arise due to a low saddle position, training errors, or even worn-out, unsuitable shoes. These conditions can become chronic, with episodes of flare-ups and remissions of symptoms as long as the underlying causes remain.