Knee Cartilage Injury Care in San Jose 

Knee pain due to injury makes everyday life feel harder. Climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, or even taking a short walk takes more effort than it should. Pain and stiffness gradually change your routine and make ordinary movements feel challenging.

Dr. Pamela Mehta, a knee specialist in San Jose, helps patients understand their knee health and find lasting relief. With personalized care, you can regain comfort, confidence, and move freely again.

How Does Knee Cartilage Get Damaged?

Knee cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that cushions your joints and allows for pain-free movement. Your knee contains two important types:

• Articular cartilage is the slippery surface covering your bones that lets your knee glide smoothly.
• Meniscal cartilage is the C-shaped discs between your thighbone and shinbone that absorb shock and stabilize the joint.

When cartilage is damaged due to sudden injury, gradual wear and tear, or ACL or MCL injuries, your knee loses its natural protection.

This can lead to pain, swelling, or a feeling that your knee might give out. Without treatment, even minor injuries worsen over time and limit your activity.

Common Causes of Knee Cartilage Injuries

Knee cartilage injuries can happen to anyone, but athletes, active adults, and older individuals are at higher risk. Injuries often occur due to:

• Sudden injuries due to falls, direct blows, sports collisions, or sharp twists and pivots.
• Repetitive stress from running, jumping on hard surfaces, frequent squatting or kneeling, or overtraining without adequate recovery.
• Age-related changes, such as cartilage wear, osteoarthritis, previous knee injuries, or gradual loss of joint cushioning.

What are the Signs You Should See a Specialist?

See a knee doctor if you notice:

• Pain that does not improve with rest or gets worse over time
• Stiffness that limits movement, especially in the morning
• Swelling that persists or keeps returning
• Grinding or clicking when moving your knee
• Knee instability or a feeling that your knee might give out

Left untreated, a knee cartilage injury can worsen, causing chronic pain or arthritis. Early treatment can reduce further damage and help you get back to your normal activities comfortably.

Treatment Options for Knee Cartilage Injury

At Resilience Orthopedics in San Jose, Dr. Mehta tailors treatment for meniscus tears or chondral injury. Surgery is only considered when necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many cartilage injuries improve with non-surgical care, such as:

• Physical therapy strengthens and stabilizes your knee
• Medications and injections reduce pain and inflammation
• Activity guidance helps you to stay active safely without stressing your knee
• Knee supports provide stability and protection

The goal is to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and keep you active without surgery, so you can return to your routine sooner.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments fall short, Dr. Mehta may recommend advanced surgical options:

• Chondroplasty restores smooth movement in the joint
• Cartilage transplantation repairs more severe damage 
• Knee replacement surgery may help in cases where cartilage is degenerating

Dr. Mehta prioritizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Recovery and Prevention

Recovery looks different for everyone. Your rehab plan gradually restores strength, and flexibility in your knee. 

We also guide you on warm-ups, exercises, and activity adjustments to keep your knees healthy long-term.

Why Patients Trust Resilience Orthopedics for Knee Cartilage Injury Care

Patients across San Jose, Los Gatos, and the Bay Area choose Resilience Orthopedics for expert, personalized knee care. 

Here’s why:

• Doctor-led care: Dr. Mehta, a sports medicine specialist with extensive experience in knee cartilage repair oversees your treatment from start to finish.
• Individualized treatment plans: Every plan is tailored to your symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals
• Conservative approach: Surgery is the last resort; non-surgical options are recommended first to relieve your symptoms.
• Advanced surgery: If needed, Dr. Mehta uses minimally invasive methods to protect tissue and speed recovery.
• All-in-one care: Evaluation, therapy, surgery, and recovery are managed together for a seamless experience.

What to Expect at Resilience Orthopedics

Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:

• Thorough evaluation: Dr. Mehta listens carefully and performs a detailed knee assessment. Advanced imaging may be used to pinpoint the injury.
• Personalized treatment plan: You’ll receive a clear, step-by-step plan designed around your lifestyle and goals. We explain everything so you know what to expect.
• One-on-one follow-up and rehab: Regular check-ins guide your rehab, helping you regain knee strength and mobility so you can return to your routine safely.

[Image of Dr. Mehta reviewing X-rays/MRI with patient on a screen]

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

Don’t let knee pain hold you back. As a leading knee injury specialist in San Jose, Dr. Mehta has helped countless patients overcome cartilage damage and return to active, fulfilling lives. Book your appointment today!