how can i hike again with a cranky knee?

I’ve got my eye on hiking Mount Pirongia next month, but honestly, my knee is giving me second thoughts. I started hiking just last November, kept it up every week, and even tried trail running for a bit. That’s when my right knee started acting up—sharp pain whenever I put weight on it, to the point where I was limping around the house. It’s been a few weeks, and the pain is barely there now, but I’m nervous about pushing it too soon. I still hit the gym four times a week and go bouldering when I can, but hiking feels different—especially when there’s a big climb involved. I’m worried about getting halfway up the trail and having my knee give out, or worse, making it to the top and then struggling all the way down. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of stubborn knee pain? Did you find any stretches or routines that actually helped, or did you just have to tough it out? I want to get back out there, but I don’t want to end up sidelined for the whole summer. Sometimes it feels like the more I try to stay active, the more my body pushes back. Anyone else feel like their knees are plotting against them? #hiking #kneepain #outdooradventures #Travel