Banged up…best practices?

[mass_biker]

JRA on a low traffic side street on a windy morning for a <1 hour constitutional…I reach back to tuck something into my jersey pocket that was working loose (taking one hand off the bar) when I hit a concealed (thanks, fall leaves!) dip in the road, and bang! down I go on my left side. Slow motion (self induced) wreck. Great. No head impact thank goodness. Some left crank and shifter scrape-age, and other than needing to bang the shifter back into place, the Ritchey is none the worse for wear.

On return to home base, the usual post-tumble evaluation and regimen ensued (got a few new holes and scrapes on the jersey, bust out the gauze pads with rubbing alcohol for the road rash etc.). So back to normal life (for a biker). Which means road rash management and regaining mobility around the joints of the ouchy spots.

Any best practices? I typically do Neosporin, and sometimes Tergaderm for the larger patches. And while I do intersperse running with cycling, I can’t fathom getting out there and pounding along (which means more on the indoor bike?) until less ouchy.

Eager to get folks’ feedback and guidance here.

MB

[buddybikes]

It was windy out there today, going out after lunch. Hit one intersection of 5 roads and bike trail, stop wind was that strong. I just ponied other way rather than fight it.

[Likes2ridefar]

If the road rash is bad enough, I keep it covered 100% of the time until it is healed so it never scabs. I shave the area if possible and try to use options that don’t use tape but often am stuck ripping my skin many times as it heals. Sterile pads or super sized bandaids are usually what I need. I use lots of vitamin a and d ointment to keep from sticking.

[mass_biker]

Any thoughts on joint pain and regaining range of motion? There’s no swelling that I can see or feel but the range of motion (i.e. hip flexor etc.) means that I am going easy on bearing weight and walking gingerly (i.e. up and down stairs) for now. Think that side (left hip) took the brunt of the fall! Ice?

[duke]

Hydrogen Peroxide should not be used to clean wounds or scrapes.

[Likes2ridefar]

I’ve found yoga best for me. I use 20 to 30 minute videos on you tube ‘yoga flow’ is what I search for And just follow along. I do have a nice yoga mat and a few blocks and a strap but generally don’t use them, only the mat.

[kiwisimon]

yep, an icy cold bath will help with inflammation. aim for about 10 minutes. Gently massage the area. NSAID will help with the pain.

[Flinch]

Originally Posted by mass_biker

Any thoughts on joint pain and regaining range of motion? There’s no swelling that I can see or feel but the range of motion (i.e. hip flexor etc.) means that I am going easy on bearing weight and walking gingerly (i.e. up and down stairs) for now.

Yesterday I hit a metal guard gate head on and went down. Today the wifey has me raking leaves and general labor demands. 74 years old too (Me, not her.) - can I hear some 'poor old guy' sympathy?

Road rash? Hell man, several ounces of cheap whiskey, pour it over your owies and/or drink, and she'll be right. If that doesn't work, try raking a yard full of leaves...

[eddief]

How to Treat Road Rash
Clean It
Abrasions like road rash are loaded with dirt from whatever surface it was that you dragged yourself across. Embedded dirt, gravel, and stones can easily become infection sources, so make sure that all debris is removed. Infection from debris leads to prolonged inflammation, which is a factor in scar formation. Use tweezers to remove any gravel, then clean the area with a mild soap and water. Scrub gently—you don’t want to cause any more damage. If you can’t scrub it because it hurts too much, try pouring water over it. Avoid using caustic solutions such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide-while these kill bacteria, they also make the wound burn- water is adequate. Oh, and take an NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen to help with the throbbing, because this will hurt. Over-the-counter lidocaine creams may also help with pain. If pain prevents proper cleaning, seek medical attention.

[KarlC]

Originally Posted by Flinch

Yesterday I hit a metal guard gate head on and went down. Today the wifey has me raking leaves and general labor demands. 74 years old too (Me, not her.) - can I hear some 'poor old guy' sympathy?

Road rash? Hell man, several ounces of cheap whiskey, pour it over your owies and/or drink, and she'll be right. If that doesn't work, try raking a yard full of leaves...

This is the way, follow it closely.
.

[buddybikes]

Originally Posted by duke

Hydrogen Peroxide should not be used to clean wounds or scrapes.

Thx for update - edited

[steelbikerider]

What Eddief says, also, go light on activity for a couple of days. Lots of ice and NSAID's. Tegaderm is your best friend to keep the bedsheets clean from bloodstains. I always changed it after the first day, the left the next patch on for a week. After the first tegaderm patch comes off, clean again and do NOT use an antibiotic cream or anything when reapplying the next Tegaderm patch.

Maybe alternate heat and ice after a few days when the swelling goes down. I always found that the more attention I paid to the healing process, the quicker it went.

[Gummee]

I'm dealing with the aftermath of being hit by a car myself. I've been walking a few tiimes/day to get things moving and to increase bloodflow.

The ribs are the hard part. They hurt more than the leg

Today is the first day I'm not likely to take Advil to sleep comfortably. (had *a* beer with dinner. 1st in 3 weeks)

Sorry I don't have any road rash tips.

M

[JedB]

sponge and betadine to clean the wound.
short term, or small cuts: neo-sporin or generic versions
larger areas or longer term: new skin spray on solution. This creates an external "scab" while keeping the underside wet. I'll warn you now, it will sting. A LOT. but generally good for a couple of days before re-application.

Ice and alleve for the swelling.

[JedB]

Originally Posted by duke

Hydrogen Peroxide should not be used to clean wounds or scrapes.

What makes you say this?
I've found it's less ouchy than alcohol, and other than bleaching the carpet where I spilled, no real issues.