Steve, have you had an orthopedic surgeon do x-rays, etc.? If it is bad, why not just replace it??
I went off the eve of a 16' building in January 1977, landing on my feet on frozen ground. Literally blew up the tibia in the knee. Stainless steel screws and a couple surgeries and I was working again. Over the years, I grew a bone spur from that damaged knee. I would be walking down a fairway, across a jobsite, or just in a grocery store and the spur would catch on the upper knee component. You couldn't stop in time before it "broke/scraped" through. Would about wet your pants.
Finally in 2009, went in and had it replaced. Best thing I ever did. Why I didn't do it sooner is beyond me. Never a problem since.
Don't live in pain and reduce the quality of life... at your ancient age. :>) Do what is necessary to fix it and get on with playing golf!!!!!