I agree with Art, starting with your foot support to gain proper alignment is essential. I highly recommend Superfeet or Spenco inserts. The primary things you can do to take unecessary pressure off your knees is alignment (starting with the feet), muscle conditioning, and stretching. The weaker the knee the more muscle conditioning and flexibility is needed. Stretching your hamstrings, lower back, calves, piriformis (rear-end) muscle, and also very important, abdominal muscle conditioning. It may not be obvious, but a tight lower back or unconditioned abdominal can put lots of unnecessary strain on your knees. A good osteopath can really help you develop some stretching/exercise routines. This coming from someone who learned all this the hard way. Good luck.