Question
Hello Dr. David,
  I have pain in my left knee, when I bend of stretch my leg out. I am 25 years old, in good physical shape and walk alot ( I live in Italy) . I just have had this annoyance for the past few weeks and wondering if I should get it checked out. It seems to to be in the back and left side of my knee and as of yesterday I have a bit of pain while walking ( especially stairs ) , sometimes the pain extends into my calf. Not excruciating, but uncomfortable. also seems to be worse after laying down or sitting.

I would love some advice and thanks so much for answering my question.

Georgette Jupe

Answer
It sounds like it could be ilio-tibial band syndrome  (tight IT band) . If you go on google and type those words in along with stretch you should find some good stretches for the IT band. if the knee pain doesnt get better after stretching for 20 minutes a day , everyday after 2 weeks then i would look at your arches on the bottom of your feet to see if you have a high arch or a flat foot. yousaid you walk a lot this could cause knee pain if arches are not in alignment then you need custom orthotics.
if you have back pain with knee pain after sitting awhile then it could also be a pinched sciatic nerve.
i hope that helps. start with the stretches.  

David Kulla, DC
Chiropractor
www.SynergyWellnessNy.com