Life Cycle: An Orthopedic Surgeon Talks About Biking

Dr. Denard: I’ve been doing it for 10 years, competitively and recreationally. I ride several times per week, with each ride being about 40 to 100 miles. I also enjoy doing charity rides.

Dr. Denard: Cycling is actually a very forgiving sport in terms of your joints. It’s excellent in improving and maintaining range of motion, and has great benefits for joint mobility without taxing your joints. It’s a sport that allows people of all experience levels to participate. From beach cruisers to road bikes, and even stationary spin bikes, there’s something for everyone of all levels and ages.

Dr. Denard: Most biking injuries are tied to a fall or accident. That’s why the most common orthopedic injuries are clavicle, hip or wrist fractures — also wrist, neck and back strains or sprains. Overuse injuries related to cycling are highly uncommon. But there is a risk of falling, especially as you get older, so fractures become more likely.

Dr. Denard: Surgery isn’t always necessary for fractures. But if it is, at AdventHealth we offer Mako robotic-assisted surgery, which is an extremely precise, minimally invasive option that’s highly effective for joint replacement, too. Non-surgical options include physical therapy, pain management and other conservative treatments.

Dr. Denard: I recommend getting good cycling shorts and a comfortable seat. Adjust your bike to an upright position to avoid some of the injuries we see.