| Even though biking itself is considered to be a form | | | | saddle and the crank length may help relieve some of |
| of recreation that has a low impact on the knees, | | | | the issues related to knee pain. As with anything else, |
| mountain biking and knee problems often seem to go | | | | if the fit is not right then problems will inevitably |
| hand-in-hand. Of course, while rock-hopping, root | | | | result. Many times after the bike is adjusted to |
| dodging and stream fording are many times the | | | | better fit the rider, the rider will feel relief from the |
| causes of knee injuries while mountain biking, other | | | | pain immediately. |
| factors, whose source is not as obvious, may play a | | | | Listening to the body is key in any recreational |
| role in knee injuries or knee pain. While it may be | | | | activity. Since pain is the body's way of alerting the |
| necessary to consult a physician if knee pain persists | | | | individual that something is wrong, it is important to |
| or worsens, there may be some quick and easy | | | | heed these warnings. Often there are simple ways to |
| fixes that may help alleviate nagging knee pains and | | | | deal with knee problems related to mountain biking. |
| problems. | | | | Perhaps a decrease in intensity or distance of the |
| Some of the factors related to mountain biking and | | | | ride may be necessary or simply ensuring that proper |
| knee problems include: the biking routine, the bike | | | | stretching occurs before and after the ride. However, |
| itself and the physical makeup of the rider. Knee pain | | | | there are times when the issues related to knee |
| is generally based on a combination of these three | | | | problems cannot be fixed by adjusting the bike or |
| factors. Listed below are some ways that each of | | | | proper stretching. It is possible that damaged or torn |
| the factors relate to knee problems:o The Bike | | | | ligaments, cartilage or tendons may be the culprit. A |
| Routine - riding habits; change in distance, duration | | | | physician can prescribe the best method to remedy |
| and intensity of conditioningo The Bike - saddle height | | | | these situations. |
| and setback; crank length; foot positioning; use of | | | | Prevention of knee problems is always easier than |
| new equipmento The Rider - asymmetrical leg length; | | | | the treatment of knee problems. Experience and |
| inelastic, weak or tight muscles; previous injuries | | | | conditioning are important in any recreational activity |
| One of the major issues involved with mountain | | | | and mountain biking is no exception. Be aware of the |
| biking and knee problems is that the bike is not fitted | | | | difficulty of the trail and the physical ability and agility |
| to the rider. Many times a rider will try to adjust to | | | | required by the trial, have properly fitted riding |
| the frame of the mountain bike. In fact, the mountain | | | | equipment, and do not forget the knee pads. This will |
| bike frame should fit the frame of the rider. | | | | lead to a more enjoyable ride with less pain both |
| Adjusting the position of the seat, the height of the | | | | during and after the ride. |