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If someone tears a ligament or the cartilage in the knee, is it possible to strengthen the rest of the leg to take the burden off the knee and avoid surgery?

Although treatment for knee injuries is greatly dependent on each individual case, many knee injuries are treated conservatively, without surgery. If the knee would not be made worse by physical therapy and exercise, it is likely the doctor will recommend that first before considering surgery.

By strengthening the quadriceps and calf muscles, the muscles above and below the knee, it is possible to keep the legs strong enough to allow the knee to heal, or to reduce the strain on the knee.

Reference: 

Peter G. Gerbino, MD, et al. Long-Term Functional Outcome After Lateral Patellar Retinacular Release in Adolescents. In Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. January/February 2008. Vol. 28. No. 1. Pp. 118-123.

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