Injuries and Motocross go hand in hand. According to a report, around 500,000 riders got injured due to dirt bike accidents between 2001 and 2004, out of which 75% required hospitalization. And, the numbers did not dip down the following years.
But, these figures do not keep the Motocross enthusiasts from taming their bikes on nasty terrains. If you too are a passionate Motocross rider, educate yourself on the common Motocross injuries and how to deal with them.
- Broken collar bone
Clavicle, more commonly known as collar bone, is one of the most common injuries among Motocross riders. It usually occurs if you fall from your bike onto an outstretched hand. The impact transmitted through the arm breaks the collar bone.
A sure-shot way of preventing collar bone injury is by using good quality shoulder pads and shoulder brace while riding. Also, be extra cautious while cornering as half of the Motocross accidents happen when you corner. If you happen to injure your collar bone, rush to the doctor immediately. Apply an ice pack (not directly to the skin) to the shoulder and take pain killers to deal with the pain. Follow the strength and flexibility regaining exercises suggested by your doctor to enhance shoulder movements. Use resistance bands to get a full range of motion and function as part of the recovery.
- Broken wrist
A broken wrist is another common injury that you sustain when you fall on your outstretched arm. It causes severe pain, swelling, and inability to use the hand for several weeks.
If you have twisted your wrist due to a nasty fall and cannot access a doctor immediately, tightly wrap your wrist with a bandage and stabilize it with a Velcro or any fastener. Visit the doctor and get an x-ray done to confirm the fracture.
If it’s a fracture and the broken fragments are near each other, your doctor will immobilize your wrist in a cast for at least six weeks. Once the cast is removed, make sure you religiously perform the exercises suggested by your physiotherapist to regain the strength of your muscles.
- ACL rupture
ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament sits deep inside the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone.
You are likely to injure your ACL while landing from a jump on an over-extended knee or onto a bent knee. Consult an orthopedic doctor for the treatment of ACL rupture. Generally, the PRICE treatment protocol is followed immediately after the injury, which means Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
To prevent ACL rupture, make sure you wear a high-quality knee brace, and more so if you have already suffered a knee injury. Wearing a knee brace won’t just prevent your ACL from getting injured, but also prevent cartilage injuries and Meniscal tears.
- AC joint sprain
AC joint or AcromioClavicular joint is situated in the shoulders. As the joint houses several ligaments, an injury to the shoulder damages all these ligaments.
AC joint injury occurs when you fall either onto an outstretched arm or on the tip of your shoulder. It can also happen as an aftermath of a sudden stop that throws you over the handlebars.
Use shoulder support to prevent any kind of shoulder injury, especially if you have a history of a dislocated shoulder, AC joint sprain, or a shoulder separation.
Ice packs, pain killers, and shoulder support sling can cause pain relief.
- Broken ankle
Awkward landing, direct contact with another rider, or a nasty fall on your feet can lead to a broken ankle. The best way to prevent ankle injury is by wearing an ankle brace. If you suspect a broken ankle, rush to a doctor for treatment. Your doctor will immobilize your ankle in a cast until the fracture heals. The removal of the cast should be followed by ankle pumping exercises and the use of a resistance band to help with recovery.
The bottom line
Motocross has earned a reputation for being a risky sport for a reason. But, by wearing proper Motocross gear, you can avoid sustaining these serious injuries. So, when you hit the track, make sure you wear a DOT-approved helmet, body armour, goggles, knee brace, elbow brace, gloves, and leg braces because prevention is always better than the painful and time-consuming cure.