What Is the First Treatment for Knee Cartilage Injury?

Cartilage injuries vary in depth, location, cause, and effect on movement. A clinician may examine the knee and arrange imaging when needed before choosing treatment. Early rehabilitation aims to reduce irritation, maintain safe movement, and strengthen muscles that support the joint.

The plan may temporarily replace impact activities with lower-load movement. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can be adjusted as swelling, range of motion, and strength change.

Follow the activity limits provided after assessment, avoid twisting or impact that reproduces pain, and use the recommended exercises rather than testing the knee repeatedly. Tell the clinician if swelling, catching, or instability increases.

If symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, a specialist may discuss options such as a [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) or [Cartilage Repair Surgery](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/cartilage-repair-surgery/), depending on the injury and examination.

Seek prompt assessment after a significant twisting injury, sudden swelling, a locked knee, or inability to bear weight. Arrange follow-up when pain persists, the knee repeatedly catches or gives way, or progress with rehabilitation has stalled.

Ask where the cartilage injury is, whether weight-bearing is restricted, which exercises are appropriate, and what findings would make an injection or surgery worth discussing.