The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 365 million people worldwide live with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and surrounding tissues. KOA is most common in women and people over the age of 60, though onset can occur as early as your late 40s to mid-50s.

With severe cases, patients may undergo knee replacement surgery. Mild symptoms can be alleviated, albeit temporarily, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, research shows that extended NSAIDs use can increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular issues.

An OA management study found that regular use of NSAIDs is connected to GI toxicity, "including asymptomatic mucosal damage (erosions and ulcers), abdominal pain or dyspepsia with or without mucosal damage, and serious complications such as bleeding ulcers requiring hospitalization."

NSAIDs also "appear to limit the body’s ability to keep blood vessels open, raising blood pressure in some people, and also possibly affecting the body’s clotting system," which can trigger cardiovascular events, rheumatologist Daniel H. Solomon, MD, told the Arthritis Foundation.

Because of their startling potential side effects, NSAIDs aren’t considered the best long-term treatment plan for KOA. And experts have similar opinions about corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections. As Best Life previously reported, cortisone shots can lead to further knee joint damage, changes in subchondral bones, and risk of fracture.

Researchers have instead identified three "simple" non-drug therapies for KOA patients, two of which can boost other areas of your health as well, according to a press release.

RELATED: Can You Delay a Knee Replacement? New Treatment Approach May Eliminate Pain.

Research shows physical therapy is most beneficial for knee osteoarthritis.

A new meta-analysis published in the journal PLOS One has classified knee braces, water therapy, and exercise as "the most promising non-drug therapies for treating knee osteoarthritis."

To arrive at their findings, researchers compared 12 different non-drug treatments used in 139 clinical trials that included about 10,000 people. Then, they looked at patient outcomes associated with each intervention and ranked them to determine which methods were most successful. The 12 interventions studied included:

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
• High-intensity laser therapy (HILT)
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Interferential current (IFC)
• Short wave diathermy
• Knee braces
• Lateral wedged insoles
• Kinesiology tape
• Hydrotherapy
• Exercise
• Ultrasound
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)

Of these, knee braces, hydrotherapy, and general exercise proved most beneficial. Their data showed:

• Knee braces earned top remarks for reducing pain, improving function, and relieving stiffness
• Water therapy helped ease pain
• General exercise was "consistently effective" at improving both pain and physical function
• Ultrasound ranked last in effectiveness

"Our analysis of nearly 10,000 patients reveals that simple, accessible therapies like knee bracing and water-based exercise outperform high-tech options like ultrasound. This could reshape clinical guidelines to focus on safer, lower-cost interventions," wrote the authors.

RELATED: Ozempic Reduces Knee Pain by 50 Percent, New Study Finds.

10 knee strengthening exercises you can do at home:

"Studies have even shown that yoga can significantly reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis," Echo Wang, the founder and CEO of Yoga Kawa, previously told Best Life. "I recommend focusing on poses done lying down, which minimize pressure on the joints."

"A great example is Savasana, or corpse pose," she said. "Just lie flat on your back with arms relaxed and breathe deeply. This pose helps your whole body unwind, including your knees. You can hold it for as long as it feels good, focusing on connecting with your breath and letting go of tension."

Pilates footwork also comes highly recommended by Juanita Franke, a certified Pilates instructor for Club Pilates. As she previously told Best Life, “Footwork is excellent for working the glutes, hamstrings, and quads as well as alignment of the whole leg. This work improves knee range of motion, gait, and core stability.”

In addition to yoga and pilates footwork, experts recommended these eight exercises for building knee strength and mobility.

• Half squats
• Step-ups
• Lunges/reverse lunges
• Side-lying leg lifts
• Heavy band walks
• Split stance single leg deadlifts
• Glute bridges
• Hamstring, calf, and heel stretches

RELATED: 5 Best Shoes for Knee Pain, Podiatrists Say.

The takeaway:

A new study published in the journal PLOS One indicates that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and general exercise are highly effective at alleviating pain and improving mobility in KOA patients. By doing so, you can potentially delay needing a knee replacement. Of course, consult your doctor if you notice changes or your pain is getting worse.