Yes sir, musculature can be utilized effectively to allow one to compete in any activity. During any sport it is the musculature that effectively works together with the ligaments to provide support to joints. When ligaments are damaged, a rehabilitative protocol is usually implemented to provide extra stability (For example in Gr 1 or 2 PCL injuries treated non-operatively, the goal is to increase anterior translation of tibia on femur), and this is done through a focussed rehabilitative program.

Here are further insights from:Lower extremity muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running

Mark A. Sloniger, Kirk J. Cureton, Barry M. Prior, and Ellen M. Evans
We have shown that during exhaustive horizontal running, the muscles with the highest percentage of their volume activated were the adductor group (90%), hamstrings [semitendinosus (86%), biceps femoris (76%), semimembranosus (75%)], gracilis (76%), rectus femoris (74%), gluteal group (72%), and gastrocnemius (68%)
Our findings supplement those from EMG studies by indicating that muscles involved in hip stabilization and adduction (adductors and gracilis), hip extension (gluteal and hamstrings), knee and hip flexion-extension (hamstrings, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius), and plantar flexion (gastrocnemius) were the most intensely used during horizontal running.
THere are various muscles that help to provide stability at the knee joint. The ideal alignment of the lower limb musculature is straight forward. Most often an imbalance, is detected during higher intensity activity that weans out these imbalances.

If this is not the issue, it is at least something worth pondering over. As below, a gait assessment, and attempting to understand if indeed, post activity muscle is involved in causing the problems around the knee. (Perhaps get an assessment immediately post activity).

Regards