Cartilage damage in the knee can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. Because cartilage has limited ability to heal on its own, treatment is often needed to restore function and protect the joint from further wear.

Treatment will depend on the size and location of the damage, your activity level, and your goals—whether that's reducing pain, improving movement, or returning to sport.

In some cases—particularly for smaller injuries—non-operative options may help control symptoms and delay the need for surgery:

• Activity modification to reduce joint stress
• Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint support
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Injections: Hyaluronic acid (to lubricate the joint and ease movement).
  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (which may promote healing and reduce inflammation)

These are often considered first-line treatments, especially in early-stage damage or for patients with lower physical demands.

When symptoms persist or the cartilage damage is more extensive, surgery may be needed to restore joint surface integrity, reduce pain, and improve function. The goal is to either preserve the remaining cartilage or regenerate new tissue to protect the knee from long-term wear.

Recovery depends on the type of procedure, but all cartilage surgeries require a structured rehabilitation programme. Weight-bearing and activity are gradually reintroduced under physiotherapy guidance to support proper healing and return to function. Full recovery may take several months, especially after more advanced cartilage restoration procedures.