Now you don't need to fly if you want to suffer DVT!

[T.C]

As many as half of the UK's estimated 1.2 million motorcycle riders could be risking leg problems because of blood flow restrictions caused by the riding position, the IAM's annual biker conference heard this month (16 June 2007).

Around 200 IAM delegates from advanced driving groups across the UK gathered at Alton Towers in Staffordshire to hear that motorcycle riders on all makes could be prone to venous disease (disease of the veins). This may be due to a riding position that puts pressure on the major blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the legs.

Ellie Lindsay, Chair of The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation charity, said varicose veins and leg ulcers can be caused by restricted blood flow to the legs.

"Bikers risk having blood from their legs redirected to the superficial veins, the ones near the surface of the skin, causing extra pressure that can lead to problems in later life," said Ms Lindsay.

Family history of venous disease can add to this. The classic riding position of the motorcyclist means that the calf muscle may go unflexed for long periods. The pumping action of the calf muscle during activity is key to blood flowing back to the heart unimpaired.

Ellie Lindsay informed the audience that early intervention can prevent serious damage. Being aware of the importance of regular stops, relieving pressure and taking good care of your skin are simple but effective techniques for preventing venous damage in later life. Motorcyclists must be aware of the signs that venous blood flow is being impaired by the riding position and riding gear. These include: red patches of skin between the knee and ankle, or redness and skin depression as a result of constriction from clothing. Compression socks and hosiery are able to assist the body's own natural mechanism for returning blood to the heart.

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger responded to the presentation by advising that the solution is to consider taking a break from riding every two hours or so, in order to flex the calves and ankles.

"It's good to take a break for all sorts of reason. As a regular rider, I know that concentration has started to drop by two hours as well. Even if we feel mentally alert when we are riding, that doesn't mean the whole body is functioning at its best. So a short walk around to 'stretch the legs' is refreshing and essential for circulation purposes.

"Compression socks/hosiery to aid the blood returning to the heart is a key part of dealing with the problem", said Mr Rodger. "Wearing a leg support underneath the leathers can avoid long-term circulation problems such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis)".

Deep vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening clot occurring in a major vein, often the lower limb, as a result of restricted venous blood flow.
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It is better to arrive 30 seconds late in this world, than 30 years early in the next

[G]

Another reason to hang off around corners .

[Mr.Everready]

I said this to the wife a few years ago, I was surprised that it had never been mentioned before.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[phk6]

to be honest im more borthered about my balls hitting the tank
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Current .. 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure ..
Before .. 2003 Yamaha Fazer 1000 .. 2004 Kawazaki Z1000 .. 2003 Suzuki Sv1000s .. 1999 zx6r Track Bike .. 1999 CB 500 Cup ..
/Phil

[iooi]

Would think this affected pillions more than rider as your legs are always on the move to brake, change gear etc.

Always find it handy to stretch legs once in a while off the pegs while moving, pillion can also do the same so long as you know they are doing it.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[colin1]

i think the risks of blood clots pale into insignficance compared with the risks from coming off the bike
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[nynfortoo]

Shame on them for making this all up just to go to Alton Towers. Pah!

[colin1]

of course G is right

if you stand on the pegs a bit to reduce the work for the suspension, hang off round corners etc, thats loads of blood flow through your legs
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[st3v3]

I noticed how quickly the flow is restricted in my leather trousers if I wear jeans under them, within 20 mins, my legs were hurting and sort of tingly, but after a brisk 'straightening' while riding(putting them out straight) or just putting both legs down at lights etc you can feel the immediate hot blood rushing around the lower limb parts.
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[qthetape]

*cough* jeans under leathers, are you surprised?, lucky the tanks not good for 300miles or theyd go black and fall off

you still have testicles, right?

sweat pants(trackies) are better


as most people die in bed, seems like lying down doing nothing is the most dangerous activity.

[Ravo]

I've never experienced any of those symptoms, I guess it's specific to a sportbike riding position? Maybe just mildy worse.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

+1 for hang off. Do you reckon the excuse would work.

"I'm not roundabout surfing officer, just ensuring I don't get DVT"

Or the odd stand up wheelie.
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[G]

Seems if you combine the two, despite ensuring plenty of movement in both aspects, it's still possible to get DVT!

After riding a bike then flying through the air, the resultant surgery as well as general trauma etc on the nasty break in my tibula and fibula have left blood clots in my foot that are blocking up veins, leaving my foot swollen and painful.

Luckily it's not the bad possibly-deadly kind. As it's in my foot rather than the leg, they're not considered to be likely to block my lungs etc.

[sickpup]