If you have terrible knee pain, surgery is rarely a first resort. Take care of your knees with these solutions. Weight loss: For many, weight loss is a basic but crucial way to help avoid knee surgery. Shedding few kilos can cut knee pain in half. This will help decrease your risk of strain on your knees, which will make your rehabilitation go more smoothly. Physical activity: The health of your knees depends on movement. Strong muscles support the joint and relieve pressure. Movement keeps tissues within the joint flexible, lubricated and replenished with nutrients that help healing.