Crunching sounds as you climb stairs, chronic aching and swelling: Knee osteoarthritis is a real pain. If you’re suffering with it, you may be considering surgery.

Getting a knee replacement is one approach, but you may not need surgery, at least not right away.  And some patients cannot undergo knee replacement surgery for various reasons. Other people with knee pain are too young for a knee replacement — the artificial knee is only likely to last 15 or 20 years, after which the person may need revision surgery.

There are several things you can try first, on your own or with a professional’s help, that can help with knee pain and even delay the need for replacement.

Arthritis doesn’t go away, but there are things you can do to lessen the pain and stay more active.

Things You Can Try at Home to Ease Knee Pain