knee stiffness at 27 needs advice

hi i am 27 years old and i have recently been diagnosed with patella-femoral syndrome. i do not have knee pain although my knee pops occasionally. i have always been a very active person with running and other sports. my knees become stiff kinda heavy feeling after i stand a while. this has been very depressing. my orthopedic doctor says i should take cortizone shots once a year but i have refused . is there anyone out there with the same or similar condition. if so please offer any advice. should i go to an arthirits doctor? thanks