Sierra Pacific Orthopedics Offers Expert Care & Injury Prevention Guidelines for Mountain Bikers
As mountain biking is on the rise in central California, the sports medicine experts at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics are seeing more related injuries. While the sport offers major health benefits, riders of all levels, from novice to advanced, face injury risks. As regional leaders in orthopedic care, their specialists provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatment for biking-related injuries. The experts at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics offer mountain bikers appointments at multiple convenient locations across the San Joaquin Valley, including in Fresno at 1630 E. Herndon Ave. and 1270 E. Spruce Ave. and in Clovis at 2151 Herndon Ave., Suite 105. Call 559-256-5200 to schedule an appointment.
As the exclusive regional providers for Mountain Biking Doctors, Sierra Pacific Orthopedics’ specialists are trusted experts in treating injuries specific to the sport. Mountain Biking Doctors is a national resource focused on biking injury prevention and care, connecting cyclists to specialty-trained orthopedic and sports medicine professionals.
In addition to wearing a properly fitted helmet, the team recommends the following tips to help riders stay safe on the trail:
- Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with your route, be aware of trail conditions and plan for how long the ride will take, especially on trails that require a return trip when fatigue can set in.
- Warm up and stretch: Begin each ride with about 10 minutes of light cycling and dynamic stretching to loosen your muscles and prime your joints for challenging terrain.
- Fuel and hydrate strategically: Proper nutrition and hydration are key. Drink water before, during and after your ride, and time your meals to ensure you have the energy needed. Eat a large meal two to three hours before longer rides or a small meal one to two hours ahead of shorter ones.
- Body position and control: To maintain balance and stability, especially on uneven ground or descents, shift your weight to your pedals and stand slightly out of the bike seat for better bike handling.
“As mountain biking grows in popularity across our region, we’re seeing more upper extremity injuries from falls and overuse,” said Dr. Erika Kuehn, fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon. “At Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, we’re committed to helping riders heal and stay active — whether they’re recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one with proper form and support.”
To learn more about preventing mountain biking injuries and when to seek treatment, please visit www.mountainbikingdoctors.com/region/fresno or call Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at 559-256-5200.