Ankle cartilage injuries occur when the smooth surface of the joint is damaged due to trauma, repetitive stress, or degenerative conditions. Unlike other tissues in the body, cartilage has very limited blood supply, which makes natural healing challenging. This means that while minor ankle cartilage injuries may sometimes improve with rest, physiotherapy, and conservative management, more significant damage often requires medical intervention.
Non-surgical ankle cartilage treatment options may include:
Activity modification – reducing high-impact activities to relieve stress on the ankle.
Physiotherapy – strengthening surrounding muscles and improving joint stability.
Medications & injections – anti-inflammatory drugs or regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce pain and promote healing.
Bracing or orthotics – to support the ankle and reduce pressure on the injured cartilage.
However, if symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or joint instability continue despite conservative care, surgical ankle cartilage treatment may be necessary. Surgical options such as microfracture, cartilage grafting, or arthroscopy help restore joint function and prevent long-term complications like arthritis.
In summary, while small ankle cartilage injuries may improve without surgery through proper rehabilitation and non-invasive treatments, moderate to severe cases usually require advanced medical or surgical management for lasting recovery.