small fiber nerve damage

[mikey34]

My  21 year old son has suffered for one year from chronic knee pain that through process of elimination has been diagnosed as small fiber nerve damage. He had ACL surgery 3 years ago and this started 2 years later when he was exercising his knee. He has been to Emory to a neuropathic neurologist, and all of his test results were normal. He has had 7 epidural and IV regional nerve blocks and currently is on noritriptoline none of which has given him any relief. He has been to 3 different ortohopedists who tell him there is no mechanical problem. We don't know if there are any other physicians to take him to and if so what kind? Do we give up and assume a 21 year old lives the rest of his life in pain or is there any hope anywhere from someone who can help us?

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
How is your son feeling now?
Have you consulted a pain management specialist? Persistent pain following surgery can be due to a hematoma. Admittedly, there are times where persistent pain does not have an obvious cause. On occasion, blood collects inside the knee joint itself. If this is significant enough, a needle may need to be injected into the joint or, sometimes, another operation is required.
I think an ultrasound of knee joint is important to study the anatomy and rule out any possible fluid collection, scar tissue or abnormal joint space.
I think a re-evaluation by another orthopaedician will help.
Alternatively MRI of Knee will greatly help in deciding the further course of action.
Hope this helps.
Bye.

[lit111]

Here is a webpage on knee pain causes.
http://www.jointrehab.com/knee_pain_links.htm
Did the docs say anything about scar tissue from the surgery; some people scar more than others with surgery and can certainly cause problems/pain. Possibly the excercising had caused stretching/pain from scar tissue. I'd keep searching for an answer before giving up to accepting life long pain; chronic pain is exhausting and life-changing. Good luck in getting help for your Son. Pain is awful, but your child having the pain is always worse to handle.