My 15 year old daughter, a (former) gymnast, has had intense knee pain for 4+ years. Just ended 2 years of PT. MRI, Xrays both are normal. No joint swelling. However, she continues to have intense knee pain (7-8 on the 1 to 10 scale) on a constant basis when weight bearing. Her knee frequently gives out -- she falls a lot -- especially when bumped from the side. Her orthopedist has said probably patello-femoral syndrome (growth plates still marginally open) but acknowledges that the knee instability isn't consistent with that diagnoses (nor is the intensity of the pain). She says there is nothing more she can do and maybe my daughter will outgrow it.
I am at my wit's end! My daughter cannot do any activities without pain -- walking, swiming, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, etc. -- and is becoming very depressed (we are treating that). Any ideas on where I can go to get more help? We live in the Minneapolis area.