In general, the answer is yes, but it is highly dependent on the individual. Some people believe mountain biking can cause tennis elbow, while others think the opposite is true. However, the truth is that there is always a chance to happen if you fall off a bike.
A few factors could contribute to mountain biking causing tennis elbow. These factors include the repetitive motion of the elbow joint, increased stress on the elbow muscles and ligaments, and overuse of the forearm muscles.
While mountain biking can cause tennis elbow, it is not the only cause. Other factors, such as genetics and lifestyle choices, also play a role. So, if you share the pain in your elbow, you must consult a doctor to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
So, as you understood from the introduction, in this article, we’ll take a look at the research that has been conducted on this topic and discuss the potential causes of tennis elbow injury.
How to Prevent Mountain Biking Related Tennis Elbow Injuries:
Preventing injuries is one of the most important things to consider when you do a sport like mountain biking or cycling. Below there are some tips that may help you to keep yourself safe.
- Use a mountain bike that has a low bottom bracket.
- Use a mountain bike that has a suspension system.
- Use a mountain bike that has a brake system.
- Use a mountain bike that has an adjustable saddle.
- Wear the appropriate mountain biking uniform.
- Wear the appropriate gear for mountain biking: helmet, elbow and leg pads.
- Use a mountain bike that is properly fitted for you.
- Use a mountain bike that is properly maintained.
Make sure to follow all these tips we mentioned to be as safe as possible to prevent typical mountain biking-related tennis elbow injuries.
Symptoms of a Tennis Elbow Injury
The symptoms of a tennis elbow injury can vary depending on the severity of the damage. However, some common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling around the elbow
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Difficulty moving the arm
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to use the hand
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention. A tennis elbow injury can be severe and require surgery to fix.
Diagnosis of a Tennis Elbow Injury
A tennis elbow injury can be challenging to diagnose, as many possible causes exist. A doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms to help determine the cause. Tests may also be required to define the extent of the injury.
Treatment for a tennis elbow injury may involve rest, ice, and compression therapy. This kind of injury may require surgery in cases of extreme damage.
You must see a doctor for evaluation if you are experiencing pain and swelling in your elbow.
Treatment for a Tennis Elbow Injury
Treatment for a tennis elbow injury depends on the severity of the injury. If the damage is minor, rest and ice may be all that is needed.
Rest with ice
If the injury is mild, don’t worry because rest and ice may help you recover as time passes. Treatment may include rest, ice, and physical therapy if the injury is more severe. If the injury is severe, you’ll need to take things more seriously and move on to the next step.
Arthroscopy
The most common surgery for the tennis elbow is arthroscopy. This procedure utilizes a tiny camera and surgical tools to remove the inflammation and debris from the elbow joint. Also, you’ll need about six to eight weeks to recover.
Reconstruction Surgery
Another common surgery for the tennis elbow is reconstruction. The surgeon uses a tendon from another part of the body (usually the arm) to replace the torn tendon in the elbow. This surgery requires some weeks to start doing daily activities, but it will take months and probably half a year to return to mountain biking or any other sport until you are fully fit.
Also, Read: Can mountain biking cause lower back pain?
Mountain Bikers safety gears
Mountain bikers need to be safe on the trails; to do that; they need to have the proper safety gear. Here are some of the most critical items:
Helmet
Mountain bikers must wear helmets to protect their heads from falls and other accidents.
Boots
Mountain bikers must wear sturdy boots to protect their feet from rocks and other trail debris.
Goggles
Mountain bikers must wear goggles to protect their eyes from dirt and other debris.
Pants
Mountain bikers must wear pants to protect their skin from scraping by branches and other obstacles.
Sunglasses
Mountain bikers need to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. These items are essential for mountain bikers to stay safe on the trails.
FAQ
What are the risks associated with mountain biking?
Mountain biking can be dangerous if you don’t follow safety guidelines. Mountain biking can also be dangerous if you ride without a helmet and all the safety gear mentioned above.
Mountain bikes are also dangerous as regular motorbikes because if you fall off the mountain bike, there are several chances of getting injured to the head, arms and legs, which is something that every person wants to avoid.
What are the basic safety guidelines for mountain biking?
Below we provide four tips that will save you from getting injured and prevent you from bad situations to stay healthy and safe:
- Always wear a helmet when mountain biking.
- Always ride in a group when possible.
- Stay off the trails that are closed to cliffs or dangerous heights.
- Use common sense when mountain biking.
These are vital tips you’ll need to remember before your next mountain biking adventure!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve mentioned if mountain biking causes tennis elbow injuries, symptoms and some ways to treat it. Also, we’ve written some safety guidelines you must follow to avoid getting injured if you fall off your bike. Moreover, if you think you are facing this type of injury, you must visit a doctor for further instructions. Mountain biking is a great way to get some exercise and have fun, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential for injuries. This article covers the most important things at the link between mountain biking and tennis elbow. If you’re a mountain biker, share this article with your friends so they can stay safe on the trails. We hope you find this article helpful.
