I have seen four different doctors about my knee pain and increasing lack of mobility.  The first was close to 15 years ago, the second soon thereafter.  Neither of these GP's even examined my knees.  I was told by both "lose the weight and you'll lose the problem".  Approximately three years ago while I was just standing something in my left knee shifted, there was an audible pop and instantanious burning sensation and pain like I had never experienced.  I managed to gimp my way to my car and drive home.  I couldn't straighten out my leg and was unable to walk for several days.  My then GP diagnosed me with "slight" OA and treated me with pain and anti-inflamatory medication.  He suggested that I might be a candidate for knee replacement surgery in the future and recommened that I see an Orthopedic doctor.  I didn't because our insurance does not pay for x-rays or lab work and we simply can not afford additional co-pays or share of cost.  Both my knees have a history of snapping backwards and/or giving out.  I have taken more falls than I can count.  I recently discovered that my bp is very high.  As we adjust and/or change meds to lower it, I also just joined Curves (4 weeks ago).  The trainer is aware of my knee issues and I am being very careful.  However, I am now in more pain than I have ever been in and my left knee has very little ROM.  It is very difficult to even lift my leg to get into the shower, car, stairs etc.  My doctor told me to avoid the leg equipment until the "aggravation" subsides (if).  The Curves membership was a gift and I absolutely love working out and have already lost a few pounds - so I am sad to think I will have to abandon this.  Despite the unavoidable cost we will incur if I go to the ortho doctor - the pain and lack of mobility is getting to be intolerable.  I cannot take anti-inflamatory med or ibuprohen (?) because of the bp med I'm on and Tylenol isn't touching the pain.  I guess my question(s) is - should I go ahead and see an orthopedic doctor?