Knee Pain & Stiffness: Causes & Potential Solutions

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Borucki
I have developed pain in both of knees just slightly under and too the side of the kneecap (towards the inside of my leg). It does not hurt to walk or put weight on it but bending my leg causes severe pain. I also get a bad spasm like pain when I sleep with my legs bent that wakes me up. I have had this for about 6 months now and havent had much improvement. What type of injury or problem could cause this?
Thanks

ANSWER: You didn't tell me your age, or if you have any activity that could have hurt them or if you have any family history of inflammatory arthritis.... (like lupus or gout or rheumatoid)

It sounds like knee bursitis that might respond to prescription strength anti-inflammatories, like alleve, 2 pills twice a day.  

If this doesn't help in a week (or the alleve causes stomach pain) then get it checked out because other therapies should help.........

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Im 26, no known injury, no family history. Pain killers help but temporarily. I'll head in to my Dr. office...are there any imaging tests I might want to ask him about getting done?

Answer
Both knees suggest an inflammatory process as opposed to a single injury... I would do plain xrays then start the plan of prescription strength meds....  I don't think an MRI would add much at this point unless something weird came up on the examination.