I have seen several patients in my career that come in for knee pain, but upon evaluation they have a relatively normal knee and a very stiff hip. It is common for the hip pain to radiate down to the knee, so even though the hip has severe arthritis, it is the knee that hurts.
Sciatica is another condition where knee pain is the worst, but the problem is in the lower back. This is why all pain in the lower extremity requires an examination of the lower back, hip, and knee. Your pain can actually be worse in the area not causing the pain.
If your knee hurts, see your doctor!
