A conservative strategy of exercise and activity modification should lead to noticeable improvement within a week. Other interventions, such as heat therapy, bracing, massage etc. often lead to more immediate relief. This will be highly variable between individuals. We do want to be clear: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease you will need to manage daily, and some days will be more painful than others. Sometimes you will be able to identify the causes of a flare-up. Other times it will seem random. This can be frustrating, but a consistent joint maintenance program can maximize your function while minimizing the pain. SEVERE OSTEOARTHRITIS If the pain begins to severely limit your functional activities, this can also effect your mobility and general health. After all, movement is life! More invasive interventions such as joint replacement have come a very long way in recent years and are often life-changing in their ability to resolve pain and return function. Many individuals with crippling OA wait too long before speaking with an orthopedic about this option. Please keep this in mind.