May 2020 | Dr. Horn

Bike Safety Tips from an Orthopedic DoctorHere are some bike safety tips you should always practice.The Bike Needs to be in Tip-TopShapeBefore heading out for a ride, checkover the entire bike to ensure the bike is working properly. Adjust the seatand handlebars for a proper fit for your size, making sure the breaks work well.Don’t forget to check both tires and see if either need to be inflated. Wear a HelmetWearing a properly fitting bicyclehelmet at all times while cycling will decrease the likelihood of a head injuryin the event of a fall or being involved in an accident. Wear the Right ShoesProper biking shoes must be stiffand have supportive soles to avoid knee and foot injuries. It is highlyrecommended to wear bike shoes, asthey have stronger soles for more efficient energy transfer while pedaling.Wear Bright ClothingThis helps to ensure visibility todrivers when riding during the early morning or evening and night. Choose to wearbrightly colored clothing, such as neon and fluorescent shirts, pants or otheritems. For additional precaution, consider using reflective tape or flashinglights on the bike to make it more visible when riding. Another good tip is toattach a rearview mirror to the bike or helmet to see behind for proper bikingsafety. Don’t Ride at NightUnless there’s an emergency, it isnever recommended to ride at night. Cyclists run a greater risk of getting hit,even if with the use of reflective gear, as vision is limited with less light.Just because cars are more visible while biking doesn’t mean the car has thesame level of visibility of a bike. Rules of the RoadLearn or revisit the bicycle lawsand guidelines of your city so you know you are following them properly. Alwaysride in the direction of traffic as far to the side of the road as possible. Obeyall signs and stoplights intended for drivers as they are also meant forcyclists. Not obeying signals and running a light, can lead to getting hit orinjured. Stay FocusedListening to music while wearingheadphones may make the ride more enjoyable but can also cause unneededdistractions. This may cause a cyclist to fail to hear approaching traffic frombehind or a signal or horn from someone in an automobile. Check your local lawsbecause in some states, having audio distractions is illegal. Knee Pain When BikingKnee pain iscommon among those who bike frequently. But many don’t know inflammation maymean more than just a problem with the knee itself. The knee is a hinge betweenthe hip and the ankle. If there is persistent pain, it is suggested to have theankle and hip checked to see if either may be playing a role in the discomfort.Common knee-related pains:AnteriorKnee Pain: Pain at the Front of the KneeForcyclists, pain at the front of the knee is common. It’s on the kneecap orpatella and more often than not, it’s the result of tightness in the quadsalongside the outer leg. The quad muscles connect to the shin via the patella,and when riding hard, the joints become impacted. Proper saddle or bike seat heightcan prevent this. PosteriorKnee Pain: Pain at the Back of the KneePosteriorknee pain has a lot to do with the hamstrings and is often caused by impropersaddle or bike seat height. If the seat is too high, the hamstrings will getpulled causing pain in that location. For proper prevention, assure the seatheight isn’t too high or too far back. Lateral Knee Pain: Pain on theOutsideLateral knee pain, or pain on theoutside, is often caused by iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. The IT band arefibers that run the length of the upper leg, from the hip to the top of theshin. When overused, the IT band becomes inflamed and tight. The use and positioningof cleats can prevent this. Cycling at top speeds or with excessive motion cancause overuse, putting too much pressure on the knees resulting in pain.If you or afamily member are suffering from chronic knee pain and are ready to get back toactivities like bicycling, call Dr. Horn Orthopedics at (281) 837-8550 or visithttps://hornortho.com/contact/ to schedule a Consultation orAppointment.

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National Bike Month: Orthopedic Safety Tips

Bike Safety Tips from an Orthopedic Doctor

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Bike Safety Tips from an Orthopedic Doctor

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