I am feeling an enormous amount of pain in my knee. specifically in the front under my knee cap. it hurts when i walk and when i bend my knee. also going up stairs and down stairs becomes a difficult task. as the day continues, i feel more and more pain.

KNEE PAIN: You certainly have symptoms that suggest an examination either by your doctor or an orthopoedist. It is quite difficult to be certain as of the cause without knowing details like your age, previous trauma, other problems with your health or joints. Please see your doctor at your earliest convenience.

See a doctor: If your knee looks completely normal patella femoral syndrome is the most likely thing. Over-pronation (easy to diagnose by a doctor) or flat feet can be corrected with orthotics that are otc about $50. Physical therapy will help depending on the length of time the problem has been going on and the amount of damage the grinding has caused in back of the knee cap.