the area for 10-15 minutes at least twice a day (and preferably several times) for the first three days. Never apply heat to a new injury. Firmly compress the area using a bandage or compression material. If you're using a bandage, make sure it isn't so

for 10-15 minutes at least twice a day (and preferably several times) for the first three days. Never apply heat to a new injury. Firmly compress the area using a bandage or compression material. If you're using a bandage, make sure it isn't so tight

setup, or a training error," says Andy Pruitt, author of Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists. If you're a seasoned triathlete, the culprit is generally wear and tear. Your body has grown accustomed to your bike setup and training over

of the cases studied were minor soft-tissue injuries. The study suggested that cycling was a major contributing factor to these injuries. A good cycling position is vital, as is good general posture. Sort it out"Look at all your lifestyle habits: how you sit

St Bartholomew's Hospital in 1985 and became a GP in 1990. He is now the senior partner in a general practice and is medical columnist for the Sunday Times and NetDoctor.com. He has a keen interest in sports medicine and has run a number of marathons.