Supportive devices Supportive or assistive devices may be helpful to decrease pressure on the joints. Knee supports may be helpful for some people to stabilize the ligaments and tendons and decrease pain. Canes or crutches may be helpful to take pressure off certain joints. Staying at your recommended weight helps prevent osteoarthritis of the knees, reduces the stress on weight-bearing joints, and reduces pain in affected joints. When osteoarthritis pain is not controlled with these other methods, or when the pain prevents you from participating in your normal activities, surgery may be an option to restore function.
Surgery involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.
However, an artificial joint will very likely diminish pain. March 2001, Reviewed by Gary Vogin, MD, WebMD Editorial Staff. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.