The 5 Most Common MTB Injuries, According to Riders Who Learned the Hard Way

"Riding a mountain bike comes with risks, and injuries are common among most riders, from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones and more severe head trauma. But what are the common injuries from mountain biking, and what is the recovery like for the most common MTB injuries? Well, I've had most of them over the years. From the minor scrapes and bumps to the more severe head trauma, fractured bones, and ligament damage."

"Personally, I've got a long list of injuries sustained on the bike, but maybe something is wrong with me for keeping at it. We keep getting back in the saddle because it's a sport that is just that rewarding and worth the bumps and bruises. The lessons it teaches and the outlet it provides outweigh the injury, and many of the injuries sustained from mountain biking can be seen as a badge of honor."

"The human body isn't necessarily meant to be hurled down a mountainside - shocking, I know. Despite evolution telling us we shouldn't be doing what we're doing, there's no stopping it now. As the great Jeremy Clarkson said, "Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that's what gets you." A statement that holds true for just about every action sport, and I can't remember ever breaking a bone because I was going too fast on a section of trail..."

Common mountain bike injuries range from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones, severe head trauma, and ligament damage. Causes frequently include pedals hitting shins, sliding out in a corner, catching oneself while falling, hitting a tree, or going over the bars. Many riders sustain multiple injuries over the years but continue riding because the sport provides reward, life lessons, and an emotional outlet that often outweigh the physical risk. Sudden stops and impacts cause major trauma; practical guidance covers injury types, how to respond after a crash, and less common injuries in the sport.

Read at BikeMag