Mountain Valley Orthopedics Addresses Growing Rate of Mountain Biking Injuries

The local experts at Mountain Valley Orthopedics are saying that while mountain biking is full of health benefits, they are seeing riders of all levels coming in with injuries. Serving as the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice, Mountain Valley Orthopedics provides specialized care for athletic injuries. To help mountain bikers get the most out of every ride, the practice’s doctors are providing some guidelines to stay safe and avoid injury. Patients seeking highly specialized care for mountain biking injuries are encouraged to call 570-421-7020 to schedule an appointment at the practice’s main location in East Stroudsburg at 600 Plaza Court C. Appointments are also available at Mountain Valley Orthopedics’ offices in Tobyhanna at 100 Community Drive, Suite 210, in Brodheadsville at 120 Burrus Blvd., Suite 120, and in Milford at 100 Wheatfield Drive, Suite 2.

The doctors at Mountain Valley Orthopedics serve as the exclusive regional doctors for Mountain Biking Doctors, a national authoritative resource on mountain biking injury prevention and treatment offered by specialty-trained orthopedic and sports medicine doctors. The mountain biking injury experts at Mountain Valley Orthopedics underline the importance of wearing a fitted, safe helmet for every ride. Additionally, they advise mountain bikers of all levels to follow these guidelines for the trail:

• Plan ahead: Know the trail before you go. Consider the time it will take to get to the end of the trail and back. Add some extra time for fatigue on the return trip.
• Warm up and stretch: Warm up for 10 minutes before riding. Do total-body stretches to prevent injuries. Stay fit by doing exercises to build strength and resilience.
• Hydrate and energize: Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your ride. Eat a large meal two to three hours before longer rides and a small meal one to three hours before shorter rides.
• Balance: Get out of your seat and put your weight on your pedals to stabilize your center of gravity. This will reduce the risk of crashes, especially in rougher terrain.

“We’re thrilled to see a healthy passion like mountain biking thriving in our community. As sports medicine specialists, we’re dedicated to preventing and treating the injuries that can come with the sport," said Dr. Patrick McDonald, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. "Our team at Mountain Valley Orthopedics is here to provide comprehensive care to mountain bikers of all levels so they can stay on the trails they love."

To learn more about mountain biking injuries, injury prevention and when to seek treatment, please visit www.mountainbikingdoctors.com/region/poconos or call Mountain Valley Orthopedics at 570-421-7020.