Unexplained knee problem (Details included)

[Trymester]

So I have been having pain in my legs (mostly from my knees and down), but primary doctor just keep telling me to try Advil and other NSAID meds.

They did a physical examination, pull your foot inwards, push your foot downwards, etc, and determine that there is no problem with those motor skills.

So, I am trying to find a solution to convince them to do some kind of test so that they can determine whether the pain comes from my muscle or some sort of bone deterioration. I have had this issue for at least like 6 months, but it really became something they I shouldn't just "walk-off" about 2 months ago when I noticed that the further I walk, the back bend of my knees started to hurt and it was now a struggle to walk long blocks like I was doing with ease just last year.

I will be turning 28 years old in September 2012. None of this is because of a sports injury or accident. Please give me some advice.

Also, assuming its some new chronic problem that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life, and the docs try to tell me to get muscles in that area how can I do exercises that will make the muscles in that area bigger and not just make my leg worse/get in more pain?

[Trymester]

Thank You very much for the replies. I still walk, but I feel like its more off adrenaline and it does start to hurt when I walk further. It wasn't like that 6 months ago.

[lupus2012]

if you don't have much activity at all right now i'd recommend starting with simple stretching and light lifting of your legs - in a chair just extend them out and back down a few times....light yoga aimed at people with chronic pain may help as well - basically just start light and listen to your body, but make sure to do *something* or it will likely continue to deteriorate (of course i advise based off the fact your doctors didn't tell you to *not* move)
...i also find that soaking in a warm bath and icing for short periods of time if you have swelling helps----i've had problems with my knees since i was a kid and these have all helped
i wish you luck and healthy times ahead