you are not too young for arthritis - arthritis can strike at any age, even
the single digit years of childhood.  That said, there is no way we can
diagnose you over the internet.  Pain is your body's way of telling you
something is wrong.  Get to your primary care doctor and have it checked out.
There are a number of things that *could* be going on and where to go next
depends on what is found on the initial workup.  you do want to get this
checked out because it could be some sort of progressive process going in, in
which case delaying treatment can result in permanent damage.

Luke wrote:

No one is too young for arthritis.  There is a complete field
for JRA -  juveniles, kids, babies.

There is no one in the group qualified to answer your
question.  Only a licensed, trained doctor can do that.

You may want to visit your primary care physician,
who may refer you to a rheumatologist (also called
rheumy or RD for short).  This is a doctor who is a
specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of the more
than 100 types/forms of arthritis

YES!   Over 100 types or forms of arthritis.  See why
no one here is qualified to answer your question and
make a diagnosis?

Whatever it is, the longer you put off seeing a doctor
and begining treatment, the more serious it will become
with permenant damage.  There is no turning back, no
repairing of damaged parts.  But there are ways to
slow or temporarily stop the progression of arthritis.

... Helicopters can't really fly.
... They're so ugly the earth repels them.

Hi Luke,

Let your doc check you out.  If he thinks all is well then ask him for
a cortisone shot.  It can help for months at a time.  Hope you get to
feeling better soon.

debbie m.

You Can Squat down!!!!! and your 43...I don't think I have been able to do
that since about 10....So the question is ...Am I too Young? Nope ...but see
your doctor...
Sounds like  you have something going on and the sooner you find out
what...you might be able to do something to help it...
Cindy

Hi Luke,
Just my 60 yrs and two knee sugreies to go on but your knee pain could be as
simple as the knee cap not riding in it's grooves correctly. I had that and
a few therapy sessions & some exercises fixed it.
It could be a tear of the knee cartilage. I had that and a simple
orthoscopic procedure fixed it. Was back to work in a week.
It could also be seriouse deterioation of the knee cartilage which I have
now. I've had to wear an unloader brace for 3 yrs.
Partial knee replacement is in my future but I'm putting it off as long as
possible.
See your Doc for a referral to an orthopedist.
Good luck!
Steve in OK