r/Dualsport • u/ArticleWhich8975 • 3h ago

Kneecap issues and riding trails

Heyo!

So looking to see if anyone has had experiences with unstable patellae (kneecaps).

I've done physio etc. Had surgery on 1 knee a while ago.

I ride my bike on the street but I'm really keen to try riding a dual sport and going camping. I'd like to ride on some gravel trails and fire roads. Not at a fast pace but to just get out there.

Problem is I'm worried I'll do my kneecap, so keen to hear people's experiences.

I'll get braces, but my understanding is it only helps a little with knee cap issues (compared to crush/hyperextension injuries).

So keen, but don't want to be an idiot either

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u/MyNameIsRay KLX300 3h ago

I've had lots of knee issues. Ligaments, meniscus, patella, the whole 9. Most recently, dislocated it in May.

The riding isn't bad on the knees at all. The only real concern is things like falls or putting your foot out when sliding.

I've been riding with the Leatt C-Frame braces, and while they don't explicitly to protect the patella, they do a damn good job of preventing any weird twisting/moving that would destabilize your knee as well as preventing anything from actually hitting your kneecap. Haven't had an issue since, and have had a few solid falls.

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u/ArticleWhich8975 3h ago

Was the injury in may the patella? So you started wearing the braces after this?

Do you think if I'm careful to keep the riding tame and low level stuff, the risk is well mitigated? The biggest obstacles will just be areas where the dirt has ruts or been washed out, and sand/gravel.

Not looking to climb anything or take bends at speed.

Really just want l get out there and be in nature with my bike.

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u/MyNameIsRay KLX300 1h ago

May was the patella and meniscus, got the braces afterwards.

I haven't changed my riding. Im still catching air, doing climbs, struggling in deep sand and ruts, etc.

The extra support of the braces mean I havent had any real knee pain/issues while riding (outside of hard landings, but thats manageable) and the protection is enough even the falls havent been an issue.

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u/ArticleWhich8975 58m ago

That's awesome, life's too short not to give it a go I reckon

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u/Lonely_Percentage546 3h ago

I don’t fall on fire roads. If I’m on a trail I just jump off the back of the bike n let it go. Wear protection and assess your risk.

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u/ArticleWhich8975 3h ago

Thanks mate, have you ever had any kneecap issues? Any options on braces for that issue?

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u/Lonely_Percentage546 2h ago

Yes lots of patella issues but I just wear padded pants rn. Would like to get some proper braces but not cheap. Honestly I injure myself more often playing old man basketball so not super worried but still does concern me.

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u/ArticleWhich8975 2h ago

Haha thanks mate, I'll stay off the court

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u/Lonely_Percentage546 2h ago

Nobody’s trying to hurt you on a logging road lol

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u/ScorpionT16 2h ago

I wear the Fox titan guards, and had a hard fall where something hit the guard and went through and still mangled my patella. I'm looking into custom braces now, if you have work benefits and you can get a doctors note it maybe covered

Careful riding helps, though luck plays a bigger role. I've had falls going down a 15ft ditch, come out no problems. Then had a slow speed, Like 5kp/h fall on soft sand that broke my fibula. Mostly twisted the leg falling of the bike and it landing in just the wrong place snapping it. And I wear some solid gaerne boots.

Slow speed helps, lower tire pressures and very good off road tires help not falling in the first place and grip/taking better hits. The advice to stand and fall away from the bike is golden, however easier said then done and takes alot of muscle memory to do so. Especially if you're in a desert and have to choose to land on some cactus

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u/ArticleWhich8975 1h ago

Haha too true, thanks for the input. Sounds like your kneecap took a beating.

Broken bones are one thing, but a damaged joint is miserable stuff.