1. BMX and Your Body
Ankle injuries are fairly common among BMX riders and other cyclists. The constant riding at such a fast speed can cause your ligaments to be strained or inflamed from overuse and overextension. Tricks and jumps put the ankle at risk of a break or dislocation. An Achilles rupture is a serious ankle injury in which the Achilles tendon tears or pops completely as the result of a jump or fall. Contusions occur when there is a direct blow to the ankle, such as a collision with another rider, resulting in deep bruising and swelling. It's important to know how to prevent BMX ankle injuries to avoid injuries like these.
2. Give Injuries the Boot
Wear protective BMX shoes and boots to keep your ankles supported and stable when you ride. Buy shoes with thick treads on the soles that will grip the bike pedals securely without slipping. Shoes and boots should lace up snugly with no extra laces. Dangling laces could get caught in the bike pedals and cause a wreck. Wear boots with reinforced sides that fit over the ankle to protect it against flying debris and collisions and give it reinforcement. If you opt for shoes, wear shoes with reinforced sides and long pants to protect your ankles.
3. Make Your Bike Safe
There are several tips for BMX bike safety that can help you prevent ankle injuries. Add grips to the bike pedals so your feet can grip them securely without sliding off. Keep pedals oiled and well-maintained; an unoiled pedal could stick and cause an ankle injury if it gets jammed. There are also grip accessories that can be added to the shaft of the bike pedal to help your leg stay centered on the pedal when you do stunts or jumps. Don't put any decorations on your bike that could hit your ankle or get caught on anything.
4. Brace for Safety
Wear an ankle brace under your BMX gear to give your ankles extra support against injury. A basic soft pullover brace will give your ankle compression and help keep ligaments from stretching or becoming strained. A more rigid brace or one that laces up will immobilize the ankle. This is beneficial for unstable ankles that have been weakened by a previous injury. Some ankle braces also have gel inserts in them for even more cushioning and padding.
5. Ride Safe
BMX safety is all about being smart on your bike and being aware of what's going on around you. Don't attempt dangerous stunts without practicing them on a safe course first. Ride on an even surface and away from anything that you could become tangled in or collide with. Ride a safe distance from other riders and be respectful of their space.
