I have been having pain in my knees when I get into or out of a chair... also it looks like they may be swollen at times too.. also sometimes i feel as though there is no circulation going through my legs. I went to doc the other day, he insists it is something called chondromalacia, softening of the cartilege and wants me to do exercises for it. I don't know if this is affiliated with the knee problem or not. but i can't seem to keep my neck held up for long periods of time with out my neck and shoulders hurting. But I do have extreme stress in my life so maybe that's just from tension, I'm not sure. I have chest pain frequently but have been told over a year ago. that my heart is fine.. was ultrasound done on it, doc thinks it is from anxiety. I am a long time smoker too, a pack a day. Also no matter how much sleep I get, rarely do I ever feel rested. If anyone at all has any or all of these symptoms too, or just has some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Yet I already know I need to quit smoking, so noone needs to remind me of that. Thank you.

When you say it feels like there is no circulation going through your legs, could you explain that in more detail?

As far as the chrondomalacia, I have had that before. It's called chrondomalacia patella, also commonly known as runner's knee. I don't think that this should affect the circulation of your legs. I got chrondomalacia after running a 13 mile road race in cheap, heavy, aerobic shoes (not running shoes.) I was in college then, and didn't have enough money to buy good shoes. Now, if I happen to buy a pair of ill-fitting everyday shoes, like black shoes with a block heel to wear with jeans, the same pain comes back. I remember it hurt me the most when going up or down stairs. Also, chrondomalicia patella can be the beginning of arthritis. So, if this is what you have, make sure you have good shoes that fit well.