What are the treatment options for knee cartilage injury?

Cartilage injuries vary in size, location, depth and effect on knee movement. A clinician considers your examination, symptoms and imaging before recommending a plan. Pain, swelling, catching or reduced movement may guide the next step, but symptoms do not always show the full extent of the injury.

[Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can build strength around the knee and hip, improve movement control and restore function. It may be paired with activity modification and a staged return to work or sport.

Reduce twisting, impact or deep bending if these provoke symptoms, while maintaining comfortable movement. Follow a progressive strengthening plan rather than testing the knee repeatedly with painful activity. A clinician may discuss [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) in selected situations, explaining what it is intended to do and what evidence applies to your injury.

If a defect is mechanically troublesome or symptoms continue despite rehabilitation, [Cartilage Repair Surgery](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/cartilage-repair-surgery/) may be discussed. The procedure and recovery plan depend on the cartilage area and any associated ligament or meniscus problem.

Seek prompt assessment after a significant injury with rapid swelling, inability to bear weight, a locked knee, obvious deformity or severe pain. Urgent help is also needed for a hot swollen knee with fever or new weakness and numbness.

Book a review if catching, swelling, pain at rest or loss of movement persists, or if rehabilitation repeatedly causes a flare. A changed symptom pattern may require a fresh examination.

Ask where the cartilage injury is, whether the knee is stable, which activities to pause, and how progress will be measured. If an injection or surgery is suggested, ask about its purpose, alternatives, rehabilitation needs and warning signs during recovery.