United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Thanks Jenny,
I'm interested in what you refer to as "slipping". This is exactly the sensation that Emily refers to - she feels something "slipping" or "sliding" across her knee cap when she does anything involving a deep knee bend, but even if she isn't doing that the pain is fairly continuous. It keeps her awake at night. The hip aches. We have actually been advised to take her to a rheumatologist because of this and other issues, but I keep thinking this may be bpi related (in a compensatory way.)
Thank you all for your input! I keep finding these little shared "threads' of information that help explain things...
Sue

Sue, what Em's describing does sound like what I had, but obviously see a doc. The kneecap is held in place by several muscles coming down your thigh, and if one of them is not working properly and pulling its weight, the kneecap doesn't stay in the middle and slips a little to one side, it hurts quite a lot and aches all the time. It wasn't noticeable to me but when the PT taped it into the right place I could see how far out it had been.
Be careful some keen surgeon doesn't suggest getting in there surgically, the first guy I saw was a bit scalpel happy and wanted to 'clean out' under my knee cap-that sounded unpleasant to me and as a busy mum I don't have time for being laid up after surgery. The physiotherapist could see the muscle wastage instantly so told the specialist surgery was not indicated in my case, and the PT did the job really well. Maybe worth asking Em's usual PT if there is a muscle imbalance in her case and whether some therapy might help, as well as seeing the doctor. Hope things improve soon, I found a bad leg a LOT more trouble than a bad arm

Well growing up I had knee and hip pain on that side. I have back pain. But I agree. It's most likely over compensation. I'm 24 and some days I think I am falling apart. But mostly I get hip pain and a Chiro said that my leg was shorter on that side and she works at fixing it. I truly helps.

Hi.
I've had Erb's in my left arm since birth over 38 years ago.

I also developed fibromyalgia. As for leg ,back ,knee and ankle pain, I sought the help of a chiropractor and the adjustments as well as the electric stimulation has done wonders.I have more use now and less pain. Also , an orthopedic surgeon put me into orthotics for my knees , ankles and feet. It's amazing since I have started wearing them 3 weeks ago most of the strange sensations and pain have subsided.

Just thought I would share this with you.

A Chiropractor is wonderful and is a great non-invasive approach to therapy.

Using Therabands also helps for strenghening the
muscles, esp. knees and ankles.

Hope all goes well. Take Care.