Infections lead to bigger problems and we don’t to delay our return to the biker longer than it’s necessary after a bike accident with hopefully only small injuries.
You’re riding above your average speed, miscalculate a turn, or get a flat tire and BOOM you’re lying on the ground unclipped from your bike wondering what just happened that OR… you’re going less than five miles per hour not paying attention, next thing you know you’re taking the same position of the leaning tower of Pisa except you don’t keep leaning and tip over in embarrassment. No matter what the accident treatment remains the same. Please keep in mind we are not medical professionals and this is medical advice, please seek professional medical help for serious injuries.
Things you need after your bike accident for small injuries
- saline wound wash
- triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin equivalent)
- gauze
- rolled gauze
- medical or athletic tape
- band-aids
What to do
You’ve collected your bruised ego off the ground and got yourself home. Get an initial rinse out of the way with your saline wound wash and clean out any debris that still might be in there. We’re prepping for a shower since you’re a filthy mess after that ride. Clean the wounds thoroughly with soap in the shower. Once you’re clean and dry yourself off, CAREFUL OF THOSE CUTS, we’re ready to dress ourselves up in various bandages.
LOTS OF GAUZE AND OINTMENT
Don’t be bashful with the Neosporin as I find this prevents the gauze from sticking to your wound next time you change it out because you DON’T want to leave these on for a significant amount of time. Apply the Neosporin to the gauze and wrap with the rolled gauze. If the wound is small enough feel free to use those band-aids.
Check out this article from John Hopkins about the science How Wounds Heal. We find it amazing how the human body works. We recommend listening to your body and not rushing back into cycling. Depending on the severity of your crash a week or two off the bike won’t hurt your long term goals.