Does PRP injection treat knee cartilage injury?

Cartilage injury can affect the smooth covering of a joint surface or occur with an underlying bone injury. Symptoms may include pain with loading, swelling, catching, or reduced movement. PRP is prepared from your blood and injected near the affected area to concentrate platelets and related signals; it is intended to support the local response, not replace cartilage like a resurfacing procedure.

The likely benefit depends on the injury pattern, depth, location, alignment, activity demands, and other knee findings. A scan may be needed to define the problem. Rehabilitation can improve strength and movement control while the knee is monitored.

Arrange an orthopaedic or physiotherapy assessment if swelling persists, the knee catches, or pain limits walking, squatting, or sport. Bring details about the original injury and activities that trigger symptoms. The plan may include load adjustment, strength training, mobility work, and treatment of contributing alignment or muscle-control issues.

If PRP is proposed, ask whether the goal is symptom relief or support around a specific lesion, how progress will be measured, and what alternatives exist. Follow the advised restrictions after an injection and resume loading gradually.

Seek prompt care if the knee becomes locked, visibly deformed, suddenly very swollen, or impossible to bear weight on after an injury. After injection, fever, spreading redness, drainage, or rapidly increasing pain needs medical review.

Where is the cartilage injury and how extensive is it? Is the joint stable and well aligned? What outcome could PRP reasonably target? Which rehabilitation and activity limits will protect the knee?