Flagstaff Bone & Joint Offers Safety Tips to Avoid Mountain Biking Injuries
The local experts at Flagstaff Bone & Joint say that mountain biking is full of health benefits, but riders of all skill levels are still prone to injuries they see every day. As the region’s most preferred orthopaedic practice, Flagstaff Bone & Joint provides highly specialized preventive, nonsurgical and surgical care for athletic injuries. To help mountain bikers get the most out of their time on the trails, the practice’s doctors have provided guidelines to stay safe and avoid injury. Patients seeking highly specialized care for mountain biking injuries are encouraged to call 928-773-2280 to schedule an appointment at one of the practice’s offices: in Flagstaff at 525 N. Switzer Canyon Drive, in Kingman at 2331 Hualapai Mountain Road, Suite A, or in Cottonwood at 480 South Willard St.
The doctors at Flagstaff Bone & Joint serve as the exclusive regional doctors for Mountain Biking Doctors, a national authoritative resource on mountain biking injury prevention and treatment from specialty-trained orthopaedic and sports medicine doctors. The mountain biking injury experts at Flagstaff Bone & Joint stress the importance of always wearing a quality, well-fitted helmet. Additionally, mountain bikers should keep the following in mind before hitting the trail:
- Plan ahead: Without knowing the path, it can be nearly impossible to make the right choices quickly enough. Also consider the time it takes to get to the end of the trail, and add some time on your way back since you will likely be tired.
- Supplemental exercise and stretching: Warm up for 10 minutes and do full-body stretches beforehand. Stay fit by implementing exercises to build your musculoskeletal strength and resilience.
- Hydrate and energize: Dehydration and fatigue slow your reaction time. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your ride. For energy, eat a large meal two to three hours before longer rides and a small meal one to three hours before a shorter ride.
- Balance: Getting out of your seat and putting the weight on your pedals helps stabilize your center of gravity. This reduces the risk of crashes, especially in rougher terrain where the path can be unpredictable.
“As dedicated orthopaedic and sports medicine specialists, we wholeheartedly endorse the thriving mountain biking trend in our community," said Dr. Darius Moezzi, fellowship-trained and board-certified sports medicine surgeon. "Our team at Flagstaff Bone & Joint is committed to addressing and preventing mountain biking injuries at all levels, providing comprehensive care to riders so they can stay on the trails they love."
To learn more about preventing mountain biking injuries and when to seek treatment, please visit www.mountainbikingdoctors.com/region/flagstaff or call Flagstaff Bone & Joint at 928-773-2280.