United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

can anyone tell me how their joints are 10 years after injury or more. This is for people with shoulder injuries c5 or c6 but have full use of c7/8/t1 as they will be using their arm obviously more than someone with a flail arm. I am just wondering does the cracking of the joints get worse and how does it affect the use of the lower part of the arm. Any input would be good. Thanks

Ok, I am 9yrs post injury and very active. I have some use of my shoulder, bicep and wrist supination. I hear bone-popping in my wrist and elbow, depending on my arm movement and if the joints are in flexion or extension.

Some days my elbow hurts in the bone. I can feel a low level pain.

I think over the years the joints have made more noise from being used. As I progressed healthwise, I also became more active again like I was prior to the injury. The only brace I do wear sometimes for activities is a wrist brace as it stabilizes my arm and I can control crude motion better. I think my arm bouncing around, moving and twisting on those joints without muscle control is taking a bit of a toll on the bones.

I'm not real sure what can be done about it, but I have been thinking for the last year or so maybe I should go see if I can have it Xrayed for a checkup to monitor the condition. I['m stuck between a rock and a hard place as now I'm married to a Navy man and the insurance won't cover new treatment for old injuries. So, I think if I go in, it'll be because "something's wrong with my arm" lol