Cycling is a top choice for outdoor exercise. It’s great cardio and lets you explore beautiful scenery. But if you're not careful, it can also cause some trouble for your body. So, what can you do about common cycling injuries? 1. Foot Pain from Pedaling The power for cycling comes from pushing down on the pedals. This action can sometimes lead to foot discomfort. Cycling shoes are often snug, and if your foot position isn't quite right, especially during long rides, you might get foot pain. Pain in the ball of the foot is quite common among serious cyclists. This happens partly because cycling shoes are narrow in the front, and when you're clipped into the pedals ("clipless" system), there's a lot of pressure on the front part of your foot. One common problem is Morton's neuroma. This usually affects the space between your third and fourth toes, causing burning, sharp, or stabbing pain that can shoot into your toes. Doctors can use ultrasound or MRI scans to diagnose it. Early fixes: Try wider pedals, move the cleat (the part that clips in) further back on your shoe, get custom wide-toe-box cycling shoes, or use metatarsal pads (special pads under the ball of your foot). If that doesn't work, surgery to remove the neuroma might be an option. 2. Saddle Sores and Pressure on Nerves/Blood Vessels A lot of your body weight rests on the saddle, especially on touring or mountain bikes where you sit more upright, increasing pressure between your skin and the seat. That's why serious road cyclists wear padded shorts—to reduce pressure on the sensitive groin area. However, that thick padding can cause skin problems like eczema, folliculitis (infected hair follicles), boils, or even skin ulcers. Long-term irritation might lead to a cyst in that area, sometimes jokingly called a "third testicle." Treatment: Take a break from long rides. Use antibiotic or antifungal creams on the affected area. Prevention: Keep your cycling shorts clean and dry. Shower and change clothes ...