We see and know so many who are struggling with knee problems. They wear braces and take meds. Some don't do any kind of exercise because of this easy correctable surgery. Your knees will not get better and will just get worse as you age. You'll be using a cane, walker or even a wheelchair.
One friend was born knock-kneed and putting him in corrective shoes wasn't done at that time. When we met him he was constantly in pain. He had both knees replaced when he was 70 years old and now walks straight, rides a bike and hikes without pain.
I'd highly recommend knee replacement. It is so common nowadays there's no reason to be in constant pain.
I also had a shoulder replacement.
As stated above, I'm out there playing pickleball daily and hiking. I could never do those things a couple of years ago.