All Thrills—No Spills

The most common traumatic injuries sustained while MB don’t require hospital care. They include cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Contact with the ground, nearby vegetation, gears, or chains are common causes of this type of injury. Upper and lower limb sprains and strains are also typical.

More serious, yet occurring less often, are fractures of the collarbone, shoulder, elbow, ribs, wrist, and fingers. Falls are the main cause, especially ones that involve being thrown over the handlebars. The impact from breaking a fall can also result in a separation of the acromio-clavicular joint (where the collarbone meets the shoulder) and/or a shoulder dislocation. Lower limb fractures are less typical. The ankle is the most common site, with potential causes involving the foot slipping off the pedal or a hard fall to the side.

Spinal and head injuries

Falls occasionally contribute to spinal injury, as well as brain injury, including concussions. Young riders from 14 to 19 years old have been reported to suffer more brain injuries, attributed to poorer compliance with helmet wear.

Overuse injuries

Mountain bikers are also exposed to excessive repetitive loads placed on their bodies over time. Tendonitis, the irritation of a tendon connecting a muscle to a bone, can manifest at the Achilles, hamstrings, and knees. The iliotibial band at the outside of the knee can undergo repetitive friction, resulting in pain and swelling. The neck, lower back, wrist, and hand are also prone to pain, and occasionally numbness and tingling, from overuse.

After the acute stage

Often with an acute injury there’s a period of immobilization, such as when you have a cast or a moon boot in place. Following this period, visit a physiotherapist to get your strength, range of motion, and function back to normal and for expert guidance on a successful return to riding.

Treatment for overuse injury

An overuse injury may involve several contributing factors, making it difficult to decipher the cause on your own. Find a physiotherapist with experience treating mountain bikers for a comprehensive assessment and a focused plan to get you back to the trails. If applicable, physiotherapy should involve a home exercise program to address any strength or flexibility deficits that are playing a role in your injury.

Don’t rely on beginner’s luck

Inadequate skill, poor decision making, and loss of control can all contribute to MB injuries. Minimize your risk by enrolling in an instructional course with a certified instructor. Learn how to ride safely, pick trails suited to your level, progress appropriately, and fall properly to maximize your safety.