have been advised knee replacement surgery.
are there any options to avoid surgery that will alleviate the problem?
I would say probably not. Although it depends on why it has been recommended for you.TKR surgery is recommended when the joint is so damaged with osteoarthritis that it cannot function properly causing reduced function and increased pain, effecting quality life. TKR replaces the damaged part of the joint, with a prosthesis, allowing for improved function and less pain. This is not a quick fix, it is major surgery involving considerable pain and lengthy rehab. Good pain management is important as us regular physio and exercise. It is not something to go into lightly. That said, I have had Tkr in both knees, 9 and 5 weeks ago. I am certainly no where near fully recovered, but I have much less pain and much more function than before. I can now walk 2 km and I haven't been able to do that for years. I am very glad I had it done and am looking forward to an active healthier future.
You will probably read a post on here promoting some alternative therapies. I would research these carefully before going down that path. I hsve not found any scientific evidence to support their effectiveness although there is some anecdotal evidence. The advantage with Tkr is that once it is done and recovered from, you have new knees and can get on with your life, you dont have to be always thinking of your knees. Certainly as with any surgery there are risks and some people have problems but I know many people who have had Tkr successfully. Your surgeon should explain risks so you can make an informed decision.
I think Sandra's reply is pretty complete. There are some alternatives (cortisone, hyaluronic acid shots) but they don't repair anything, just mask the symptoms for a while. I have been running on cortisone shots all summer while waiting for my TKR, and must admit that I often wondered why I was considering TKR. It's just that in the long run, the cortisone wears off and the pain is right back. I guess you could do that until the cortisone stopped working altogether but It's usually better to get the surgery while you still have some mobility and your muscles are not wasted away from dong nothing.
You are right about not waiting until your muscles have wasted. I had to wait a year to be eligible under my private health insurance( dont ask). I could feel my muscles wasting in the last few months. My quads are quite weak, and I am very unfit. My rehab is going well, but I have a lot of work to do to get fit again. You need reasonable strong muscles to support your knee.