The Tour of Britain concluded in London on Sunday, with none other than Sir Bradley Wiggins sealing an emphatic victory and taking the tour. Martin Elminger finished 26 seconds behind the infamous Wiggins, with Britain’s Simon Yates taking third as well as topping the young riders list. The success in the Tour of Britain for Wiggins was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season through injury and illness. It just shows that even the best are just as susceptible to injuries as the amateur rider.
Another rider taking glory in the Tour of Britain was Mark Cavendish, marginally taking the final stage in London over Sam Bennett to clock up his third stage win of the campaign and a record ten stages since the competition began. He also took the Llanberis and Guildford stages, the latter seeing a final sprint through the high street, an uphill batter over cobbles which was a fantastic spectacle.
Throughout the season we have seen a number of injuries to key riders, most notably Wiggins who endured a back injury which prevented him from attempting to retain his Tour De France title.
Back Injuries
Lower back pain is a common complaint among cyclists, both professional and amateur alike. Back pain from cycling is typically as a result of overuse and pushing themselves too far, with prolonged flexion of the lumbar spine being the root cause of any problems incurred. Prolonged flexion can lead muscle fatigue, ligament tension and compression of the discs.
Back braces can be used to manage back pain, working to offer support and allow you to remain mobile for longer. There are a variety of back braces available, however they are all designed to treat lumbar sprains and conditions resulting from overuse. The compression offered by back braces helps to manage the pain, which can help to improve mobility during recovery doing simple things like getting of the car to being able to get back on your bike.
In general back braces are used during recovery and in conjunction with other methods such as physiotherapy, light exercise and rest. Back braces should always be used in conjunction with other forms of rehabilitation and are designed to work with you to enhance your recovery, rather than being the only recovery method opted for.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries range in their severity, with a mild sprain taking a few days to heal compared with ligament damage which can take up to a year following surgery. The riders in the Tour of Britain know that coming off their bike at speeds of up to 100km per hour can cause serious injury, both superficial and joint related.
Falling of your bike can be very painful and in considering the knee joint impact damage can cause swelling which will hinder movement. The best remedy for such an injury is ice and rest, with the swelling expected to subside within a couple of days. A knee support can also be worn during this time to help manage the inflammation and pain. If the pain fails to subside within a few days then you should seek advice from a clinician to ensure no further damage has been caused.
A more serious injury can involve a tear or rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) which is responsible for maintaining stabilisation of the knee joint. Surgery is often the only remedy following a ligament injury, with 90% resulting in a successful recovery. Due to the nature of the injury and the surgery however the patient is typically out of action for up to a year.
Sports brace technology
Sports braces are becoming more and more visible among professionals, whether on the tennis court or football field. Braces and supports have been around for years, with the likes of back braces being used for both sports injuries and day to day injuries. The main difference with sports braces is that they are designed to enhance performance and are manufactured in breathable material which can still offer enhanced compression whilst not restricting movement.
Sports braces are available for all areas of the body. In considering cycling the key braces focus on the back with back braces and knee injuries through the use of a knee support. The knee support is manufactured to manage specific conditions, from patella tendonitis to ligament damage. It is important to select a knee support to cater for your injury, as there are a variety of injuries associated with cycling, each with their own degree of severity.
What is interesting with the use of a knee support is that depending on the model you opt for they can work as both a preventative measure or as part of your recovery plan. A knee support in general is designed to offer protection and support when you need it most, allowing you to remain active for longer.
A material based knee support is designed to offer compression and support of the joint with a support which fits closely around your joint. Compressive materials fit comfortably and snuggly to not only give you additional support but to be discreet so that they can be worn under clothing. The breathable material also ensures that during activity they don’t slip as a result of increased perspiration, making the knee support less effective.
A rigid knee support is designed to offer maximum protection against impact damage and used within high impact sports such as snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding and motocross. With 40% of all ligament damage occurring as a result of high impact sports it is important to protect the joint as much as possible. The rigid styled knee support is all about protection rather than rehabilitation and will not be seen on a football field or tennis court.
Whether you are looking to buy back braces or a knee support you need to ensure you select the correct one for the condition you wish to manage. If you are ever in doubt as to which option to select you should speak with a clinician who will be able to offer a professional diagnosis and recommend not only the correct support for you, but other methods of recovery to get you active and fit again faster.
Grand Prix Of Poland And The Importance Of Knee Bracing
This weekend sees the start of the 2015 speedway season with the Grand Prix of Poland in Warsaw. The Stadion Narodowy will play host to the world's best as Tai Woffinden takes on the best.
Managing Common Knee Injuries Ahead Of The Champions League Last 16
This week will see the second round of the last sixteen of the Champions League, with a number of crunch matches taking place and an exciting spectacle of football for the neutral. The biggest game of the tie from an English perspective has to be Manchester City taking on Barcelona, an opportunity for one of the wealthiest clubs in the world to book their place in history by knocking out one of the most successful.
Common Knee Injuries From Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers can suffer from a variety of injuries whether from overuse or following a crash or fall from your bike, all with varying degrees of severity. The more extreme the route, the bigger the adrenaline rush but also the bigger the injury should you come off your bike at speed. Luckily, the majority of injuries sustained are minor and self-limiting in that you should expect to recover following a few days of rest.
