1. The Impact of BMX
BMX freestyle riding can cause a lot of wear and tear on your body. Vigorous bike riding can lead to overuse and strain of your muscles and ligaments, while jumps and tricks can result in joint damage or broken bones. Wrist injuries are among the most common BMX injuries since you steer and maneuver the bike with your hands and wrists. BMX riding can be fun and exciting as long as you remember to do it safely. Take preventative measures when you ride to stay safe and prevent BMX wrist injuries.
2. Get the Gear
A lot of BMX clothing comes with protective gear built right in that can protect your wrist against injuries. Wear BMX shirts with reinforced sleeves that with protect your wrists against flying debris. Choose gloves that extend up over your wrists and have reinforced solid supports to shield your wrist bone from the impact of a fall. Wear gloves with non-skid palms so that your hands don't slide on the bike's handlebars; this prevents a sprained wrist.
3. Gripping for Safety
Adding BMX grips to your bike help protect your wrist joints when you ride freestyle BMX. Choose textured rubber grips with a heavy tread. These will be easy to hold on to and your hands will be less likely to slide around or lose grip, even if you're sweating or landing a big jump. You can install most BMX grips on the bike's standard handlebars. Make sure you can hold the grips comfortably in your hands and that they're not loose or moving around on the handlebars.
4. Brace for Safety
Wrist braces are another piece of gear that can help BMX freestyle riders prevent injury. A simple fabric pullover wrist brace will support the wrist and prevent ligament strain. Rigid lace-up braces and wrist braces with side stabilizers limit movement; these types of braces are beneficial for riders with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or wrists weakened from previous breaks or injuries. Most wrist braces are lightweight and thin enough that they can be worn under BMX gloves.
5. Safe BMX Riding
Follow basic rules of BMX safety to prevent wrist injuries when you ride BMX. Steer with both hands at all times. Taking a hand off the the handlebars gives you less control over the bike and puts twice as much strain and pressure on the hand you're using to steer. If you fall, remember to roll instead of holding out your hands to stop yourself as that could result in a broken wrist or torn ligaments.
