A momentous occasion in the life of a child is the day that he or she takes off the training wheels and rides a bicycle for the first time. For some, cycling is a leisurely activity, but for others, it may be a more competitive endeavor. In either case, your feet, ankles, legs, and knees play huge roles in the cycling motion. Although cycling is beneficial for your heart health (and for the environment!), constantly pedaling can put stress on the parts of the body mentioned above. Here are some injury prevention tips for the average cyclist, as well are some for the more serious one:

• Keep the knees, hips, ankles, and feet in a straight line during each pedal. This reduces the amount of uneven pressure and stress placed on them.
• If you are just beginning, or just starting again after a long break, start with short distances and gradually build up to longer workouts.
• Choose a walking or running sneaker with plenty of grip and stability to ensure proper contact with the pedal.
• Look for sneakers that are lightweight and breathable, as this will reduce the chance of a fungal infection like athlete’s foot.
• Try on shoes with the socks that you will wear while cycling to ensure a proper fit.
• Racing cyclists should consider cycling shoes that clip onto the pedal to allow for more efficient power transfer with each turn.
• Mountain bikers should look for shoes that have soles with more grip and traction.

When you cycle frequently, you may be prone to general foot and ankle soreness. Some of the most common injuries include Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and shin splints. The discomfort may go away with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but if it persists, you should call a podiatrist. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico of Syracuse Podiatry in Fayetteville, New York treats foot and ankle conditions in patients of all ages. From sports injuries to diabetic wounds to warts, Dr. D’Amico expertly and compassionately handles it all. If you have any questions, or if you would like to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us or call us at (315) 446-3668!