Cycling is a fun, popular, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, unfortunately, it comes with its fair share of risks. In this post, we’re providing a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing cycling injuries. This guide features exclusive insights from Professor William J Ribbans, a distinguished Consultant in Trauma & Orthopaedics and Professor of Sports Medicine.  Prof. Ribbans has over three decades of experience dealing with cycling and motorbike accidents. His vast wealth of knowledge provides a unique perspective on the issues we all face as cyclists. In this blog, we’ll look at Prof. Ribbans perspective on the types of injuries that arise from a cycling accident, rehabilitation challenges and considerations, and the professional impact of cycling injuries with plenty of informative and thought-provoking quotes from the Professor. 

HOW DO CYCLING INJURIES OCCUR

Professor W J Ribbans has been undertaking personal injury reports since 1985. In his own words, “During that time, I have seen thousands of patients who have sustained personal injury on bicycles.” He also makes an interesting observation: " The overwhelming majority of road traffic accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles appear not to be the fault of the cyclists.” 

According to the Professor, there are two prevalent scenarios in road cycling.

“The first is a car driver pulling out from a side road on the left and not noticing the approaching cyclist.”

“The second is a car approaching in the opposite direction and turning right immediately in front of the cyclist.” 

The implications are stark. A serious head injury can have huge repercussions for the way we live our lives. Neck pain, knee pain and lower back pain in particular can haunt us over the years.

Now, look deeper into these common cycling injuries.

TYPES OF CYCLING INJURIES

Cycling injuries, like any injury, can vary in terms of seriousness. They are diverse and impactful, with the capacity to cause varying degrees of harm to our body parts. Let’s discover what Prof. Ribbans had to say about the following common cycling injuries: Upper Limb and Lower Limb Injuries. 

Upper Limb Injuries

Upper limb injuries in cycling accidents are often due to the automatic response of cyclists protecting themselves during a fall. It makes sense; when we fall off our bikes, we use our hands and arms to break the fall. However, this can lead to various upper limb injuries. Prof Ribbons says, “Upper limb injuries tend to occur as a result of the cyclist being knocked to the ground and putting their hands out to save themselves.”

So, how can upper limb injuries affect our lives? According to Prof. Ribbons “Upper limb injuries affect manual agility and the ability to do fine work. It may affect people’s ability to work for long hours on a computer keyboard.” Whether you’re a typist, a carpenter, or a jeweler, it’s clear how these injuries can seriously affect our ability to work, not to mention our standard of living. 

Lower Limb Injuries

Lower limb injuries can significantly impact our health as amateur cyclists. They inhibit our ability to function and, as a result, have lasting consequences. So, how do they occur? Prof. Ribbons states, “Leg injuries seem to occur more frequently following the direct impact of the leg with another vehicle.” However, he also says, “Leg injuries from direct impact with the road do occur but, in my experience, are less common than the damage caused from the impact with cars.” 

Unfortunately, as expected, many livelihoods are affected by this common injury. “Fractured lower limbs will alter the ability of people to work in heavy manual tasks or jobs involving a lot of walking or standing.” The professional implications are enormous, as is the impact they can have on our general quality of life. 

The injuries are severe and pose a significant risk to our professional lives and personal well-being; let’s move on to find out the professor's view of the challenges of rehabilitation. 

Rehabilitation Challenges and Considerations 

After a cycling accident, there can be a range of challenges for us to consider. Let’s break these considerations down:

Importance of Location and Severity 

The first part of the rehabilitation process is the location and severity of injuries. The area affected, and the degree to which one is injured will play vital roles in determining the appropriate rehabilitation approach for cyclists recovering from accidents.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Impact on Recovery and Treatment Approaches:

A common cycling injury arising from these accidents is damage to our soft tissue. Prof. Ribbans notes that soft tissue damage, often occurring around major fractures, can lead to extensive bleeding in our muscles, which leads to wasting and scarring. He also says, “Rehabilitation of the soft tissue damage can take longer than healing the bone.” 

Specific Challenges for Fractures Near Major Joints

Injuries that orthopaedic surgeons are often more concerned about is the fractures that run into a joint, particularly a major joint such as the knee.” Prof Ribbans states, “Whereas a bone will heal, the cartilage that lines the end of our bones will not heal in the same manner.” He adds, “Elbow injuries are notoriously difficult to rehabilitate at any age and can lead to long-term stiffness.” These injuries can be detrimental to our long-term well-being, with the potential for long-term challenges for cyclists who have experienced joint injuries, including an increased likelihood of arthritis. 

Foot Injuries and Specialised Treatments

Perhaps the least apparent implication of cycling accidents is the often-ignored foot injury. Foot injuries from cycling accidents are seen frequently. Generally, they are overlooked if the cyclist has sustained multiple injuries. Prof Nibbans notes how “it will only be six months later when the “major injuries” have healed that the patient realizes that their block to full rehabilitation is their foot problem.” He says, “Many patients with foot injuries require some form of footwear and/or orthotic provision to improve comfort and stability following cycling foot injuries.” He works closely with highly experienced podiatrists and orthotists in his clinic to provide the best treatment possible. 

Conclusion:

This discussion with Professor W J Ribbans provided a profound understanding of the intricate world of common cycling injuries which plague the recreational cyclist. His experience and expertise offer valuable insights into the dangers facing cyclists and a reminder to ensure we take necessary precautions on our journeys. 

By taking on this knowledge shared by the Professor, we can contribute to fostering a safer cycling environment, supporting those on their recovery journey, and advocating for awareness of a safe road ahead for all cyclists. 

If you are suffering from or know someone suffering from a cycling accident, you’re not alone. We’re the UK’s first and only law firm specialized solely in dealing with cycling injuries. As fellow cyclists, we’re passionate about cycling and want to do our best for you. Call 0203 735 9652 or email us at [email protected] for someone to talk to about your case. 

 

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