Bad knees... What helps?

Exercise.  Walking or gym/classes. If you start with walking, you can walk in your neighborhood, gradually extending the distance walked and/or time you do it.  

Ice/heat . But doc is on right track.  Moving helps.  Start slow but doing something is better than sitting.  Get comfortable shoes. Sitting makes it worse.  Hydration. 

And know that the endorphins can help too, along with the getting outside of the pain and constantly feeling and thinking about it.  Hang in there! @JosephW747988  👍

Lots of people do well with a mild level of acitivity, such as swimming, cycling and basic strength training, but physical therapy has also made a major contribution to the lives of people suffering with these painful disorders.