Common Injuries Which Can Occur From A Bike Accident

Neck Injuries

In a bicycle accident, bicyclists traveling at high speeds may either be thrown over the front or be hit directly. The impact may cause severe injuries in the neck and head region, even though the bicyclist may be wearing a helmet. Such injuries may include damage to the tendons and muscles in the neck, herniated or displaced discs, fractured discs, and pinched nerves.

Fractures or Dislocations

When bicyclists are hit directly by another vehicle or thrown onto the ground and lose control of their bikes, the impact may cause serious damage. Because of this, some bicyclists may suffer from a dislocated elbow, shoulder, knee, jaw, fingers, or hip. Some injuries may include a broken wrist, hip, leg, arm, or collarbone.

Contusions and Lacerations

A laceration is a deep cut, which breaks the outer skin and goes into the upper body tissue layer. These are severe injuries that should be treated quickly. If untreated, these can result in disfigurement. Bruises or contusions bleed under the skin after injuries to the muscles, body tissues, or bones. They may impact one’s mobility and can be painful.

Nerve Damage or Paralysis

Nerves connect various parts of the body to one’s brain. Bike accidents may result in nerve damage. Due to this, bicyclists may have trouble controlling legs, arms, hands, fingers, and some other parts of the body. Some of the symptoms of nerve damage include a tingling sensation, sensitivity, severe pain, paralysis, speech difficulties, and loss of strength.

TBI or Traumatic Brain Injuries

There’s a reason why wearing a helmet is essential when cycling. One of these is that bicyclists may suffer from head injuries, which can be very serious and life-changing at the same time. Most long-term disabilities from a bike accident are due to head injuries, and most cases of deaths are also caused by such injuries.

In a bike accident, the head of a bicyclist may be hit by anything or could hit the ground. In other cases, the impact may cause a sudden shock to the head. Due to this, the brain may crash against the bicyclist’s skull. This can cause traumatic brain injury or TBI. While helmets provide protection, a bicyclist can still experience memory loss, nausea, dizziness, trouble with balance, and more.

Here are some other issues that bicyclists face.

Hot Foot

Foot pain is very common and often happens when cyclists use improper socks and shoes when bicycling for a long period. One of the primary causes of foot pain is hot pain, which is a burning sensation, pain, or numbness on the foot’s underside. It happens due to the pressure on the nerves traveling through the foot’s ball and toward the toes. The best way to avoid this is to redistribute or soften the pressure.

If numbness or hot foot happens in summer, you may end up having swollen feet. You can avoid this by looking for shoes that offer some breathing space. There are numerous brands you can rely on whenever you’re looking for proper bicycling gear.

Whether you’re just getting started with this outdoor activity or cycling is your daily exercise, using the right gear can make a difference to your comfort level. In addition to that, this can help you avoid any possible bicycling injuries like hot feet that can be caused by using improper bicycling gear. Also, it’s important to note that the bicycling gear you require may vary depending on the climate in your area.

Knee Pain

The knee is the joint between the lower and upper leg. The patella or the cap of the knee may get out of the joint once something’s not moving properly, which may pull it in the wrong direction.

Oftentimes, treating knee pain involves massage, rest, use of ice, foam rolling, and anti-inflammatory medications. It’s sometimes due to a bike fit problem. If this is the case, there are some things to look out for, and these are the types of knee pain:

• Posterior Knee Pain – It arises when the saddle is very high, which stretches the attachments of the hamstring.
• Anterior Knee Pain – It happens when the saddle is very low and places pressure on the patella.
• Medial and Lateral Pain – It may be due to incorrect cleat set up, which can cause the knee to track improperly.

Back Pain

It’s not surprising that hours spent in a cycling position may give riders soreness throughout the spine and neck. However, poor bike fit and weak muscles may bring more pain compared to cycling with properly fitted bikes and strong muscles.

To prevent this injury, see to it that your saddle is at the correct height. One that’s too high or too low may aggravate low back pain. See to it that the rest of the geometry of the bike fits you so that your spine isn’t rounded and is in a neutral position. Most bicyclists may benefit from a relaxed fit with bars closer and higher to the body. This prioritizes comfort over aerodynamics.

The Bottom Line

The best way to evaluate your injury from a bike accident is to get medical treatment. If your injuries are due to someone else’s negligence, it’s best to consult a good lawyer to help you. With legal help, you may demand compensation, especially if the injuries have caused long-term consequences. Just make sure to hire the best lawyer around to get the results you desire.