32yr old Mother of Two living in Co. Meath. For the last number of years I have had slight pain in my knees front & back when climbing the stairs and sitting for too long. Then in October 2008 I increased my activity going walking 3-4 times a week 40mins each session. A couple of weeks later I woke one morning to find chronic pain in both knees and I was unable to walk. I went to visit my GP who refered me for a MRI Scan. The results of the MRI scan showed that I had marked thinning of the Hyaline cartilage as well as osteochondral disease of the lateral articulating facette of the patellar which was degenerative, along with tiny baker cysts. All of the above was present in both knees. I was referred to a Orthapaedic Surgeon who diagnoised anterior Patello Femoral Syndrome and explained that my knees caps were out of place and rubbing against one another. He reccommended Physio which I attended for 8 weeks with very little improvemnet and at a great cost. I returned to see him 8 wks after my inital meeting and he injected my knees with steroids and recc that i buy an exercise bike to strengthen the muscles. ( I can only manage to stay on the exercise bike for 30seconds before the knees lock) The pain increased after that and I was laid up for a few days unable to move. Then the pain went for 4 days- I did not know myself, then it was back again. 4 weeks later I had avisit with my GP as I was in alot of pain and she injected the knees once again. The pain this time is still with me easing a little more each day.I am still unable to work since Nov 08 as I cannot climb stairs to my office, my social life is non existant, I am unable to go on walks with my husband and children. Every day activities I find I am limited. I have been advised by my GP to get a second opinion as I feel my consultant has the attitude well build up the muscle there is nothing else I can do for you, but yes keep comming back to see me at a hugh cost each visit. I would greatly appreciate your comments on the above.