Protecting Your Feet and Legs on a Motorcycle

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There are over 8 million motorcycles registered in the U.S., which means about 1 in every 36 people you meet has one. While this form of recreational and commuter transportation is very popular, it can also be very damaging to your feet and ankles. Studies show that approximately 30% of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries affect the feet and legs. At Texas Foot Specialists, we’d like to offer the following tips to help keep riders and their passengers safe:

  • Always wear long pants when riding on a motorcycle. Although denim is better than nothing, the preferred choice is something made of abrasion-resistant materials like ballistic nylon or leather.
  • Use sturdy, high motorcycle boots as well. These will provide extra coverage for lower legs and feet and give good ankle support as well.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that in 2011 29% of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol level of .08 or more—this is a higher rate than either truck or passenger car drivers involved in fatal accidents. As the most vulnerable vehicle on the road, motorcycle drivers need increased alertness and quick reactions for defensive driving.
  • Wear colorful clothing. While much traditional motorcycle garb is black, it’s much easier for drivers to spot bright colors. If black or camouflaged clothes are non-negotiable for you, put a reflector strip on the back to increase your visibility to other drivers.
  • If injured, get treated at a facility experienced in dealing with motorcycle injuries. If the situation permits, you or a family member should ask a surgeon how many motorcycles accident victims they treat annually. If the numbers are very low, ask for another surgeon.

If you do have an accident while riding a motorcycle that requires a visit to the emergency room, be sure to follow up with one of our foot doctors Bruce Miller, DPM and Gregory Mangum, DPM at our Houston (713) 664-6677, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Pasadena (281) 991-0600 office. It is essential for patients who have been in an accident to ensure that an injury is fully rehabilitated to avoid ending up with chronic foot or ankle problems down the road.