7 Leg Injuries You May Sustain When Riding a Dirt Bike and What to Do

Dirt bikes are a blast. You can feel the wind in your hair and the power of that motor beneath you as you tear through the dirt, keeping one knee on the ground and one foot on the peg. But what happens if you injure your leg while riding? Of course, you’ll have to bear the unbearable pain, but other consequences may include permanent leg damage or amputation. To help you stay vigilant, here are various leg injuries you may sustain when riding a dirt bike and what to do about them. 

Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon is the large tendon connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone. A rupture or tear of this tendon can occur when the foot is suddenly extended beyond the ankle, such as when you land from a jump incorrectly.

An Achilles tendon rupture symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the back of the leg below the knee and swelling and tenderness. Suppose you think you have ruptured your Achilles tendon. In that case, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as surgery may be required to repair the injury. A good pair of motocross boots can help avoid this injury.

Ankle Fracture

You can fracture your ankle when turning the bike and falling on the ankle. Sharp pain and the inability to put weight on foot indicate a fracture. You may also see bruising and swelling around the injury site. If you think you have fractured your ankle, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Broken Leg

You may break your leg when you fall and land on the leg in an awkward position. How to spot this injury? Well, the symptoms of a broken leg include severe pain, swelling, and deformity.

Dislocated Knee

You may dislocate your knee when you fall and land on your leg in an awkward position. This injury causes severe pain and swelling. You’ll also experience difficulty moving the knee joint as it’s locked into place by ligaments and muscles.

Knee Ligament Injury

The various knee ligaments provide stability to the knee joint. A tear in any one of these ligaments can occur when the knee joint is forcefully displaced from its normal position. You may sustain this injury type when you crash the bike on the side or are thrown in front of the bike due to abrupt braking. Rough terrain or a poor turning angle may also lead to this injury.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

The quadriceps tendon is the thickest and strongest muscle in your body. It connects the quadriceps muscles to the top of your kneecap. A torn quadriceps tendon can be caused by forceful impact or excessive weight bearing on the knee joint. This injury is common among dirt riders who crash often.

Shin Splints

Shin splint is a common running injury that causes pain in the front of your lower leg. This injury can be caused by overuse, improper stretching exercises or wearing shoes with poor arch support. Pain occurs when running on hard surfaces or inclines for prolonged periods and will usually subside after rest and ice treatment.

Final Word

Riding a dirt bike is an extreme sport and, as with any extreme sport, comes with certain risks. However, if you take the necessary precautions, such as wearing the right gear and staying alert while riding, you can minimise the risks. We are sure these tips were helpful.