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I also have OA in both knees and, like you, found it affecting my life negatively. Aside from taking large doses of fish oil (miraculous stuff!) for the inflammation and resulting pain it causes, a physical therapist showed me several leg exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee. I have performed these exercises religiously 3-4 times a week for years now. Leg raises with the foot positioned different ways, step ups, with and without ankle weights. Physical therapy is an effective, natural means of helping the body heal itself and it works, works, works! It won’t fix the problem overnight, but given time it most definitely will. Do ask your doctor to recommend a PT who she/he works with. And do the exercises at home if you’re told to!! Best of luck to you. By the way, such a good idea to try something (anything!) before surgery.