The crash that ended Dan Martin's Giro d'Italia. The list of injuries and other health problems that a rider can take from a spill like this is virtually endless (Photo: Stefano Sirotti)
The video below takes us through some of the most common injuries and ailments that afflict bike riders; from crash injuries to the wear and tear conditions we can expect from cycling from time to time.
As this useful clip suggests, the key to getting issues resolved is facing them as quickly as possible and seeking treatment rather than adopting a wait and see attitude.
Tendonitis caught in the early stages, for example, can be very easily treated. But if left to worsen it could cost you a season or worse in the most extreme cases, including a snapped Achilles tendon.
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Lower back pain: It can be caused by bad bike fit and often means riders can’t get all of the power they have out of their bodies and into their bikes. Without noticing, riders can change how they pedal or how they sit on a bike in order to manage and minimise the pain, which can lead to all kinds of problems elsewhere, especially with the knees.
Concussion: Arising from a direct blow to the head, a helmet reduces the chances of concussion but nowhere near eradicates it.
Achilles tendonitis: A potentially very serious injury brought on my loading the tendon with stress it is not used to. It can also be caused by poor bike fit, poorly fitted shoes or incorrect cleat position.
Broken clavicle: Otherwise known as a broken collar bone, it’s so common because it’s mainly caused when riders instinctively put their arm out to break their fall when crashing.
Numbness of the hand: Often caused by compressed blood vessels and nerves, this can lead to pain as well as numbness. It can be treated with stretching.
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Patellar tendonitis: Associated with incorrect saddle height or pushing gears that are too big, this adversely impacts the knee.
Neck pain: Like lower back pain, this can be caused by sitting in an unnatural position for a long time with neck extended, or poor bike fit or position.
Broken scaphoid: One of the bones on the thumb side of your wrist; if you’re collar bone doesn’t prove the weakest link and snap in a fall, the scaphoid probably will.
Saddle sores: A skin condition caused by long hours in the saddle; always riding in clean shorts is the best defence against developing sores which can be very painful and long-lasting.
Fractured pelvis: If you are travelling fast when you crash and don’t get your hand out to break your fall, the first part of you to hit the deck can be the hip, often resulting in a fractured pelvis.
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