Five Most Common Motocross Injuries

Motocross was developed from motorcycle competitions in the early 1900s in the UK and is a sport in which a rider uses a specially designed motorcycle on a closed course, built up of a variety of terrain and jumps, uphill’s, downhills and corners. Almost all motocross riders will have crashed and burned during a race resulting in an injury at some point in their career. But what are the five most common injuries sustained by motocross riders? 1. Broken Collar Bones A relatively common injury in many sports, mainly because it is natural instinct to put your hands out to break your fall, which explain why many riders break their collar bone in motocross. When falling from a bike a rider will to attempt to break their fall, due to the speed at which they fall/hit the ground, their arms experience a large amount of impact force. Most collar bones heal with just a sling within four to eight weeks, in more complex cases surgery may be required. 2. Dislocated Shoulder The shoulder is a complex structure, if a rider manages to avoid breaking their collarbone during a bad fall, then shoulder dislocation if highly likely. Recovery times are dependent on the severity of the dislocation. Rehabilitation exercises can only begin when the rider is no longer experiencing any pain, the time frame for this can range from two weeks up to four months. For anyone who has previously dislocated a shoulder taping and strapping or wearing a shoulder support would be highly beneficial and recommended. 3. Broken Wrist Another injury caused by using your arms to save yourself during a fall. The wrist like the shoulder has a complex structure, any injuries even minor ones can be very painful, breaks can be complex if the bones break into several pieces. A bad sprain or break could leave riders waiting for their wrist to heal over a substantial period of time. In extreme cases surgery may be required to realign the bones, with or without surgery a broken wrist will be placed in a cast for between six to eight weeks. Typically, once the cast has been removed, physiotherapy will be required to regain mobility and range of movement in the joint. Wearing a wrist splint will help prevent a re-occurrence of this injury and will provide support and stability to the wrist. 4. Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament  The ACL is responsible for connecting the thigh and shinbone. In motocross, landing a jump awkwardly may cause damage to this ligament. Walking a course before a race can help you mental prepare for what the course entails and how to best avoid falling. To prevent a knee injury or to help support and stabilise an already damaged knee wearing a brace such as the Donjoy Armor is extremely popular with motocross riders. 5. Ankle Injuries  Like shoulder and wrist, the ankle is a complex joint and are extremely prone to sustaining damage during a fall. Falling awkwardly from a bike or colliding with another rider can result in either a break or fracture. A broken ankle may require re-aligning or surgery in order to heal effectively and correctly. A broken ankle would be placed in a cast for between six and 12 weeks, which is usually followed by regular physiotherapy sessions to regain strength, movement and mobility. Wearing the correct protective clothing is always advised to support ankles, additionally reinforcing delicate ankles with a brace can provide additional protection, support and stability.