Avoiding Injury

Dr. Goodhue's Root & Herb Bitters, c1870-1900, Boston Public Library

That twinge in your wrist started recently, but you don't remember quite when. There wasn't any big injury or fall, but rather a slow realization that bending it in a certain way hurts, sort of. You try ignoring it as best you can, because it doesn't hurt that much, and only occasionally. However over weeks and months the wrist feels more weak.

Finally you get yourself over to the doctor, with a foreboding feeling in the pit of your stomach. You've been biking for a while now, everyday. And you've gotten past the point of starting something new, and biking to work is now ingrained in the pattern of your day. The thought of having to take the subway or sit in rush hour traffic is a distasteful one. And yet you are reasonably certain that this bicycling habit of yours is probably linked to your slow injury.

This was my past week. Thankfully, the doctor didn't tell me to stop biking (wahoo!). Also, being a bicyclist himself, he gave me some tips on riding to ease pressure on the wrists. I still have to go see a physical therapist and hopefully get some stretching and strengthening advice.

The big lesson is that it's important to learn how to perform a physical task, whether it's bicycling, exercising, or sitting at your desk. Proper form is easily ignored at the beginning. Who wants to waste time on biking? You just sit down and pedal. However these repeated motions, repeated every day for months or years, will have an effect on your body.

Learning how to do something the right way will ensure that you are operating your body at maximum efficiency and utility. You will not only avoid injury, but you'll be faster and stronger.

I've only been bike commuting for a year, and it took this long for what is probably a chronic use injury to surface. I'm still doing research to figure out what to do and not do, and there's a lot I don't know.

Here are a few tips to avoid injury when starting out bicycling:

• Get your bike fitted. You can go to any bicycle shop and ask them to fit it to your specific body. This is an easy and very important tip, as things like improper seat post height can cause injury to your knees and hands.
• Do your research. Check out reliable sources of information, as it's pretty easy to find bad advice online. Some staples of bike knowledge:
• Sheldon Brown, the undisputed authority on all things bicycle
• Global Cycling Network. Lots of informative videos, and these guys are pros!
• Find a professional. If you're not sure about something, if you have an injury, seek out professionals, whether it's your local bike shop or a doctor.