Physical Therapy

Stretching and other regular exercises can reduce stiffness and pain while increasing flexibility and range of motion, even in advanced cases of arthritis.

Oral Medication

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin or natural oral dietary supplements like glucosamine may provide temporary relief.

Injection

For cases of advanced arthritis in which the symptoms aren't yet severe enough to warrant surgery, physicians will often recommend injections of corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and pain, or liquids, to enhance the volume and quality of the joint's own fluids.

Surgery

Many, if not most, cases of severe degenerative knee arthritis progress to the point where surgical intervention becomes inevitable. Several types of surgical options exist, including synovectomy (taking out damaged tissue so that new, healthy tissue can grow), arthroscopy (surgical cleaning and maintenance) and osteotomy (re-alignment of the joint by reshaping a leg bone). In extreme cases, the bones of the leg may be fused.

Replacement

Replacement of part or all of the joint with synthetic parts or mechanisms is known as arthroplasty. This is the most commonly performed surgery for treatment of severe arthritis.

Source:

The Hip And Knee Institute: Arthritis of the Knee Joint

MedicalNewsToday.com: Arthritis Treatment Options

WebMD.com: Arthritis Treatment Options

More Information:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Your Orthopaedic Connection: Arthritis of the Knee