Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis are two very different animals. I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees - as in I need them replaced, they are bone on bone - no cartilage left. Since my weight loss, my knees feel a ton better - every pound you lose feels like 5-7 pounds on your knees. I'm down about 115 and I now fence 2 days a week, and am in the gym another 4 - I take one rest day a week. I can deadlift more than my own bodyweight and go for 40 minutes on an elliptical without pain.
Will I still need my knees replaced - yes. Can I put it off until I'm well into my 60s (I'm 56) - yes.
I haven't had to use narcotics for pain since about a month after surgery, where I would use them 3-5 times a week prior to surgery.
