Riding a bicycle is considered to be a low-impact, cardiovascular exercise that places minimal stress on your knees, lower legs, feet and ankles. However, biking can place a tremendous about of stress on your hips each time you pedal. This repetitive stress placed on your hips can lead to a number of overuse injuries. If you suspect you have sustained a hip injury from riding a bike, discontinue biking and contact your physician.
Adductor Strain
An adductor strain is an injury to the muscles that move your hip joint. Adductor strains are often the result of rapid starting and stopping. If you experience an adductor strain, you may notice a pop while riding your bicycle. Adductor strains can cause severe pain, swelling and bruising. This type of injury can also make it difficult to walk. Adductor strains are common in those who lack conditioning, fail to warm up prior to biking or have a history of prior strains. Adductor strains can range from mild to severe. Rest, possible use of crutches and rehabilitation are important in healing and in restoring full range of motion to the hip.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis occurs at the top, outer portion of your hip. Bursitis occurs when the bursae -- the small, fluid-filled sacks that enable your hip joint to glide smoothly -- become inflamed. Inflammation of the bursae limits your hips' ability to move freely and without pain. As a result, you are likely to experience a decreased range of motion in your hip. Pain can occur as you flex your hip muscles in activities including bike riding, stair climbing, walking, sitting or standing. You may also hear a snap as you go to flex your hip. Bursitis is treated with rest and activity modification. Your doctor may also suggest the use of steroid injections to relieve pain and physical therapy in order to restore range of motion.
Femoral Neck Stress Fracture
A femoral neck stress fracture is an overuse injury that affects your hip. The femoral neck is the joint between your hip and your thighbone. Increased participation in cycling and failure to warm up can often cause a stress fracture over time. A stress fracture consists of tiny cracks in your bones that are the result of excessive stress being placed on a joint. The pain of a stress fracture is worsened by participation in physical activity and the pain tends to subside with rest. Femoral neck stress fractures need to be treated by a physician and may require surgery to repair.
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is essentially the degeneration or wearing of your hip joint. This may be an early sign of degenerative joint disease. Repetitive motions of your hip -- including the motions you make while cycling -- can lead to avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis is classified by a dull ache or throbbing pain that usually occurs in your groin, the outside of your hip and in your buttocks. Previous injuries to your hip will put you at greater risk for developing this condition. Physical therapy to maximize the function of your hip or surgery to replace your hip or repair damage are the recommended treatments for avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Prevention
There are steps you can take to help prevent hip pain while cycling. Adjusting your bicycle seat so that your downward foot is touching the pedals with your knee only slightly bent can prevent excess stress on your hips. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends a 35- to 45-degree angle for the recreational cyclist and a 30- to 35-degree angle for the road cyclist. In addition, never rush into a new exercise program. If you are new to cycling, take it slowly and work your way up to your desired activity level. Increasing the intensity of your workout gradually will help prevent injury. Also, stretch your hip and leg muscles prior to working out, to loosen your muscles, tendons and ligaments.
