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@pascalo
Sounds like a mild tendonitis.
I have had episodes of Patella Tracking Syndrome, where the kneecap is not kept in place by the tendons properly, then rubs along the tendons every move and causes inflammation.
Happened to me by riding on an ill fitting mountain bike in Australia (without cleats or straps or cages).
Physiotherapist gave me strapping techniques that improved the tracking so the inflammation could go down, then strengthening exercises for the muscles around the kneecap. Also told me to use ibuprofen bases cremes or something similar to calm down the inflammation a bit.
After two weeks or so I was fine. Hasn't come back since Australia, and I have increased my mileage quite a bit with the Surrey Sunday Rides etc, but done so on a fitting bike.
I am also avoiding using my legs for braking and ride an easy gear on my fixed or switch into something more spinny on the road bike to save my knees from trouble.
The worst thing, and this is what I did in Australia, was riding through it, which made it really bad and prompted me to go to the physio. If nowadays I feel my knees becoming slightly sore, I strap the kneecap, do some stretches and maybe take a rest day or two. It's usually OK.
Of course your problem could be something completely different, but I thought I share this just to show you that it ain't all doom and gloom. Maybe go see someone about it, and if you cannot be arsed, at least take a rest for a couple of days and then see what you can do to improve the ways your knees feel.