Researchers say it's important people know how to protect their knee joints amid an uptick in knee replacement surgeries in the U.S.

Doctors say 790,000 surgeries are performed annually.

One way to prevent surgery is to reduce pressure in the knee and knee joints. That includes building up the leg muscles, which can slow down the progress of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes cartilage and tissue between the bones to breakdown over time. It's not only painful, but can lead to joint stiffness, joint movement limitations and swelling in and around the joint.

Other ways to reduce knee pain include losing weight and keeping active. Physical therapists say exercising in the water is a great way for people to move without putting pressure on their joints.