cold knee pain

i have had a lot of knee pain in the past year. it was suggested to me that i may have patella femoral syndrome, so i have been doing all the physio stretches that should  be helping, but they are not, and the pain is getting to be worse lately. the past few weeks, i have developed knee buckling and the sensation that my knee is going to snap backwards while walking or standing with weight bearing down on my left leg. it also gives out every now and then, and now i also am experiencing a shooting pain that feels cold and radiates partly down to my upper calf bone, and after the shooting pain is over, the knee feels very cold and achy. (this pain i am describing is occurring inside the knee, and not on the exterior.
any ideas?
thx, mich

[Dr Sharma]

Dear Michelletremoni, welcome to the medhelp forum. These symptoms are suggestive of patellofemoral pain syndrome,caused by overuse injury. Conditions like flat feet, high arched foot can contribute to the pain. You can refer an orthopaedician for appropriate arch supports in footwear. You must do exercises as recommended depending on suspected group of muscles responsible for the symptoms. Try applying ice, over the counter painkillers, though these only provide temporary relief. Your doctor will also advise you about knee braces if relevant. You must also be examined for a spine disease like degenerative disc disease or prolapse. MRI spine would show any lumbar disc involvement. Treatment would depend on the diagnosis. You are welcome for further queries. Take care.

[michelletremonti]

thank you so much for your response. i have had mild scoliosis since i was a child, and my mother does have degenerative disc disease-are these conditions hereditary? (sorry for the awful spelling)