Strap In and Ride!

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The tail end of summer is the perfect time to hop on a bike and ride around beautiful Maryland! The heat is tapering off and the cold hasn’t blown in yet. Jump on your bike and ride, just make sure your feet stay safe!

Bicycling is a great activity for many reasons: recreation, exercise, and transportation, just to name a few. You can take in the scenery around you while getting some great low, impact exercise. Obviously, your feet play an important part of riding a bike – they are literally the only reason the wheels are turning! As your friendly neighborhood podiatry center, it’s our job to make sure your feet are ready for the ride. We’ve put together a list of things you can do the ensure you’ll have a safe, fun ride.

6 tips to get ready to ride:

  • Get the right shoes for riding. A bicycle shop professional can help determine what type of shoes are best for the pedals you choose to ride with.
  • Stay seen to stay safe. Brightly colored riding gear will increase visibility and keep you safe.
  • Inspect your bike before you ride. Make sure your tires are inflated and there are no noticeable issues.
  • Spin the wheels. Make sure there’s nothing wobbling or rattling as the tire rotates.
  • Check the brakes. Brake pads can wear down over time, so make sure they’re still up to snuff.
  • Adjust the seat before you ride. Make sure your legs align properly with the pedals.

Though cycling is pretty low-impact, there are still some common injuries associated with the sport.

Common cycling injuries:

  • Achilles tendinitis – this painful condition causes swelling near the heel and is often caused by overuse during pedaling. Ensure your calf muscles are in great shape to help prevent this.
  • Plantar fasciitis – this typically occurs when your foot rolls inwards. Adding toe-clips to your pedals could help prevent it.
  • Metatarsalgia – this overuse injury causes pain in the ball of your foot. Symptoms can worsen over time, especially if you have poor-fitting shoes or improper pedaling technique.

If you’re ready to hit the road on your bike, give us a call today to ensure your feet are ready to ride. Dr. Stuart Snyder here at Maple Springs Foot Center can help assess and treat any foot or ankle issues you might be experiencing. To get in touch, request an appointment online or call our office conveniently located in Gaithersburg, MD at 301-762-3338.

sports injury prevention, exerciseMaple Springs Foot CenterAchilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis