Knotted, I have not done any of the things you have inquired. (I'm riding on platform pedals because I found that riding clipped in made my problem worse.) I'm wondering if I have chondromalacia. I'd like to try some exercises and see if that helps.

Sarah, Crankin and Oak, I'm 5'6" with an inseam of 31". I don't know how shorter cranks will feel for my height. I do know that it doesn't feel like my knee is too bent at the top of the pedal stroke with my current set up. But then again it might feel even better with shorter cranks.

Carolp, a total knee is the only option at this point but I'm young enough (40+ Club ) that the docs don't want to do it unless I really want it--which I don't.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm going to rummage around the garage and see if I can find some shorter cranks to try.