Non-surgical knee OA options providing lasting relief and delaying surgery

[Nathan42]

My knee osteoarthritis has progressed to the point where over-the-counter pain relievers and occasional cortisone shots are no longer providing enough relief for my daily walks and gardening. My orthopedist has laid out a range of osteoarthritis treatment options, from more frequent hyaluronic acid injections to considering a partial knee replacement, but I'm hoping to delay surgery as long as possible. For others who have been in this situation, what non-surgical interventions provided you with meaningful, long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility? Have you had success with specific physical therapy protocols, off-loader braces, or newer treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections, and how did you evaluate their cost versus potential benefit?