Excess weight stresses weight bearing joints. Gentle exercises, such as walking swimming, pedaling a stationary bike, are less stressful. Special exercises are important for putting your joints through their full range of motion and to strengthen your muscles. You may need to see a physical therapist for help with these special exercises. Heat and Cold Treatments - Application of heat or cold effectively relieves pain temporarily.
Heat relaxes and cold numbs.
Topical Analgesics - Topical analgesics, in conjunction with prescription pain relievers, can add many hours of relief. Topicals do not have side affects typically associated with oral medications and can thereby minimize your need for these preparations. An awesome listing of resources available on the internet.