Think about the stresses that you put through your knees. Hammering up steep climbs and absorbing rocket-fast rock gardens are all doling out a besting to the largest, most complicated joint in your body.
What's the problem? Knee Pain can manifest itself in anything from dull aching to eye-wateringly acute agony while pedaling. With such a complex collection of bone and tissue, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing it.
Why does it happen? Again, one cause alone can be tricky to pin down. Knees are notoriously susceptible to repeat problems after an initial injury. Ligaments can be damaged and once healed up, can be slightly out of place, leading to potential future grief. Likewise, cartilage issues can arise in cyclists, due to the repetitive movements/stresses on a knee.
How can I prevent it?
1. Your position on the bike can account for a lot of knee issues. If your seat height is too high you'll over-extend you knee. Too low and you won't be allowing it its full range of movement. Take time to get your bike set up right.
2. Pushing as big a gear as possible can cause stress to your knees. Don't just stamp up climbs, pre-select the right cog and use your cassette's range to get you up.
3. If knee pain occurs during a ride, get it on ice as soon as possible. Chilling the joint will limit the damage. Consult a doctor or physiologist sooner rather than later too.
4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Meniscus injuries are common in mountain biking where you can often fall awkwardly causing the knee to twist. Minor twists or strains can usually be rectified by rest but serious tears require surgery. If you hear a popping noise, you're in for the knife.