I wake up every night with intense pain in my right knee. i have to walk around for a few minutes to alleviate pain. arthritis is the current diagnosi?

See an Orthopod to -: get a proper evaluation as in my opinion the arthritis doesn't usually behave in this way. You have an associated lesion, may be a significant cartilage tear. MRI would be helpful or a scope evaluation would not only confirm but help in dealing with the problem. I am sure you had a trial of the NSAIDs, PT, own exercises, which will need to be continued before and after the surgery. GOOD lUCK.