AN MRI SHOWED THAT I HAVE FULL THICKNESS CARTILAGE LOSS IN MY LEFT KNEE. I HAD BEEN TAKING 2 ALEVE EACH DAY TO HELP WITH PAIN/DISCOMFORT. MY DR. PRESCRIBED MELOXICAM 7.5MG 2X A DAY. MY LEGS BEGAN SWEELING AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS. I STOPPED THE MED. AND CALLED THE DR. HE JUST SAID DONT TAKE ANYMORE AND COME GET A SHOT IN YOUR KNEE IF IT HURTS OR PAIN MEDS. I WOULD RATHER JUST TAKE AN OVER THE COUNTER MED, AS NEEDED FOR PAIN INSTEAD OF PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDS OR SHOTS, DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS. I AM ONLY 51 YRS, SO KNEE REPLACEMENT IS NOT AN OPTION NOW~OR SO MY DR SAYS. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER.

Summarized question: Suggest treatment for cartilage defects of the knee?