I was born with deformed cartilage in both knees. Bad enough that the military would not even take me! I used to be in pain all the time. (no kidding, my knees always hurt. Woud even wake me up at night.) Now with regular excercise and glucosamine and chondroitin I am almost pain free. The stuff really works. (ask your doctor before taking any new medication or herbal complex)
I agree with everyone else in that seeing your doctor is the first place to start. Report back here and let us know what he says.
Take care,
Bob