In some cases, you can prevent or delay surgery with alternative treatments. These include weight management, physical therapy, pain medication, injections, or bracing. However, in some cases, surgery may be the only way to achieve pain-free movement in severe cases of knee damage, but generally, it's a last resort choice when other treatments fail.In some cases, you can prevent or delay surgery with alternative treatments. These include weight management, physical therapy, pain medication, injections, or bracing. However, in some cases, surgery may be the only way to achieve pain-free movement in severe cases of knee damage, but generally, it's a last resort choice when other treatments fail.