What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries can be categorized into a few common types:
- Sprains - Stretching or tearing of ligaments, the tissues that connect bones to other bones. Ankle and wrist sprains are frequent examples.
- Strains - Injuries to muscles or tendons (which attach muscle to bone), often caused by overstretching or overuse.
- Contusions (bruises) - Result from direct trauma or a blow, leading to bleeding within the tissue and swelling.
- Tendonitis - Inflammation of a tendon, usually from repetitive motion, but it can also be triggered or aggravated by trauma.
- Lacerations and abrasions - While technically injuries to the skin and superficial soft tissue layers, these are common in accidents and can be significant depending on depth and location.
How Soft Tissue Injuries Occur in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can vary widely in severity, from minor falls to high-speed collisions. The way a cyclist lands or the point of impact can directly influence the type of soft tissue injury sustained.
Here are a few common mechanisms:
- Falls onto an Outstretched Hand (FOOSH): This is a typical instinctive reaction during a fall and can cause wrist sprains, shoulder strains, or elbow ligament damage.
- Direct Impact with the Ground or an Object: Collisions or falls can lead to contusions, especially on the hips, thighs, shoulders, or knees. Deeper impacts may even strain surrounding muscles and tendons.
- Twisting Injuries: During a fall, the body can twist unnaturally - especially if the foot is still clipped into a pedal. This can lead to ligament sprains in the ankle or knee, or muscle strains in the lower limb or back.
- Overstretching During the Crash: Sudden, uncontrolled movements during an accident can stretch muscles or tendons beyond their normal range, causing strains or even tears.
- Prolonged Compression or Crush Injuries: If a cyclist is pinned or lands awkwardly under the bike or another object, soft tissue damage can result from sustained pressure, leading to bruising or deeper tissue trauma.
Cycling Injuries
No Win, No Fee
Nestor
Nestor was taking part in Ride London when the front wheel of his bike struck a pothole, causing him to fall. He sustained a compound fracture to his little finger and multiple abrasions to his shoulder, hand, and both knees.
We secured £33,500 in compensation for Nestor.
Sai
Sai was cycling downhill when she hit a pothole, causing her to lose control and fall. She landed heavily on her face and arm, suffering the loss of multiple front teeth and a fractured wrist. Sai underwent prolonged dental treatment, including implants.
We secured £175,000 in compensation for Sai.