Arthritis in the knee??

I just got back from a prompt care clinic after having painful knee for over a month, they gave me krutches and painkillers and took xray and said i have arthritis and he doesn't understand why i would have it at a young age.... is this normal with being overweight? I am also going for an ultrasound tomorrow as he thinks there might be a blood clot. Is this something that would go away with weight loss or surgery? I'm so worried that this might be something that gets worse with time?

I have had arthritis for years.  It started in my 20's.  Actually when I was in my teens my knees were bad.  The Dr. predicted that I would be immobile in my 30's.  He was pretty close in his guess.   So yes you can have arthritis at a young age.  I am 36 and have needed total knees replacements for a couple of years.  Yes it is common with being overweight.  Every time you take a step you are putting pressure on your knees that is 2-3 times your body weight.  So think about how much that is.  At my highest weight that was over 1200lbs pressure with each step.

No it wont go away with surgery.  The damage is done.  Surgery will relieve some of the pressure on your joints and make them feel better.  It will also help with further damage.  There are exercises that you can do to strengthen your knees.  A physical therapist is good for helping you with figuring it out.

 As you said  Surgery will relieve some of the pressure on your joints and make them feel better,but  Surgery is not the best way ,becuse  it affects apparence.

inspite of the painful knee n stuff...you should keep exercising. Minor physical activity also helps a lot.... Drink more water... drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day in order to keep ur joints properly hydrated. This minor points will help u in a gret way...
take care :)

I've had surgery on both knees, have had arthritis since I was a kid. I was a big tomboy and I'm sure that didn't help. I've ahd knee problems since sliding under a parked car.

I saw my knee surgeon a few months ago about the pain. Unfortunately the damage is done. BUT he was thrilled that I had had the surgery and said with my record, I was a perfect candidate. I've been seeing him for over 15 years and he knows of my unsuccessful weight loss attempts and he also knows that I will exercise as I healed quickly after my knee surgeries because I did what I was told. He too explained that the damage was done, but losing the weight, for me, delays replacements. He said there is quite a bit of cartlidge thining between the two bones, but we can hold off a little longer because of the weight loss.

The bad point--no more NSAIDS. I also have fibromyalgia and was given Vicodin for the knee pain. Because of fibro, my PCP changed that recently to Norco and fentanyl patches. Unfortunately, these medications are now part of my life.

 I find tha****er aerobics is excellent for problematic knees and joints. there is no pounding on them in the water. I take deep-water aerobics three times a week. I am 69 years young. doodlesll

Thank you everyone for your replies and experiences. I found out i too now have it in both knees... and i notice that my feet swell up so bad even if i am not on them all day... now, what I am wondering, is this from the arthritis as well?? I was told I am too young for knee replacements, so i think I will try the water advice... thanks all!