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What began as a means of transportation in the 19th century, the bicycle has evolved into something that has had a tremendous impact on human history and culture. Many have been noticed as contributing to the early design of the bicycle, including John Dunlop who is credited with creating the first air-filled tires. Modern cyclists ride bikes that would look foreign to the original cyclists – racing bikes can be made of carbon fiber and cost upwards of five thousand dollars. Today over 100 million Americans report to riding a bike recreationally, and in many places of the world it is still the primary mode of transportation.
Perhaps the most important piece of equipment, besides finding the right type and size of bike, are the shoes one wears when cycling. Cycling shoes are very stiff, with a strong shank through the shoe. This provides a way for the energy from the foot to be transferred into the pedals, providing the most efficient source of energy to spin the wheels. Without a proper shank in the shoe, the arch may collapse while pedaling. This can cause a multitude of foot problems, such as arch pain, tendon problems, or a burning sensation in the bottom of the foot.
It is especially important to select the right cycling shoes if you have a history of foot problems, or if you wear custom orthotic devices. Select a shoe that is specific to your needs, whether that is mountain biking or road biking. For casual riders, the option of a stiff cross training shoe will usually be sufficient. There are also combination biking/hiking shoes that have become more popular in recent years.
If you’re getting more serious with cycling, and want to take it to the next level, you may want to consider bike pedals with toe clips. These are small metal devices that the tip of your shoe fits into, that makes pedaling more efficient. Instead of just pushing with your feet, you can now have a combination pushing/pulling motion more easily. Some may opt for a “clipless” set-up, which are bike pedals that resemble ski bindings. These pedal systems have special shoes that will snap into place, and will be the most efficient way to transfer energy from your lower extremities into the pedals.
Whether you are riding for fun, exercise, or training for a race, it’s important to listen to your body. Many cyclists wind up in a podiatrist’s office with pain in their feet and legs from cycling beyond their limits. The following is a list of common conditions associated with cycling injuries:
· Knee Pain may be caused by improper biomechanics, resulting from a bike that doesn’t fit or poor positioning of the feet while riding. It may present as a clicking, popping, or grinding noise from the joint. Problems with the knee need to be analyzed by a medical specialist right away, as they can quickly progress to more serious and painful situations.
· Achilles Tendonitis is generally seen in riders as an overuse injury, fairly common in serious cyclists. It is a straining or even tearing of the Achilles tendon, and is usually treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
· Shin Splints may be caused by poor biomechanics while cycling. This is pain on either side of the shin bones, especially when walking.
· Sesamoiditis is a condition of the sesamoid bones, two small bones located under the joint of the big toe. These can become inflamed from too much pressure, usually from a combination of overuse and improper footwear.
· Numbness, especially in the space between the third and fourth toes, may be a sign that the shoes you are wearing to bike in are too tight. Wider shoes may help. Numbness should be evaluated by a sports medicine specialist, as it ma be a sign of a more serious condition known as acute compartment syndrome.
Enjoy that bike ride, but remember to be safe! Pay attention to pain from your legs and feet, and talk to a doctor if you’re having problems. Also, wear a helmet!
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
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