RSD/CRPS

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain, neurological syndrome. RSD is a malfunction of the central nervous systems, which causes pain and additional symptoms.

 

RSD effects millions of people in the United States. This is not a new disease. RSD has been documented all the way back to the Civil War. If not treated aggressively and correctly RSD spreads rapidly.

 

Symptoms of RSD include:

• severe intense burning pain (feeling like you are on fire)
• pathological changes in bone
• excessive sweating
• tissue swelling
• extreme sensitivity to touch
• dramatic changes in the color and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part
• skin sensitivity     

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and strokes describes RSD as, "Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems. Typical features include dramatic changes in the color and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part, accompanied by intense burning pain, skin sensitivity, sweating, and swelling. CRPS I is frequently triggered by tissue injury; the term describes all patients with the above symptoms but with no underlying nerve injury. Patients with CRPS II experience the same symptoms but their cases are clearly associated with a nerve injury."

 

According to Neurology Channel, RSD is "also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg, or following surgery. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor injury, such as a sprain. And in some cases, no precipitating event can be identified.

 

Pain may begin in one area or limb and then spread to other limbs. RSD/CRPS is characterized by various degrees of burning pain, excessive sweating, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. Symptoms of RSD/CRPS may recede for years and then reappear with a new injury"

Medifocus.com, offers more details, "Although the signs and symptoms of RSD vary depending upon the clinical stage of the disorder, the one common feature shared by all 3 clinical stages (early, established, or late RSD) is pain.

Because currently there is no cure for RSD, the goals of treatment include: 1) controlling and minimizing pain to the greatest extent possible; 2) restoring function to the RSD-affected limb; 3) preventing progression of the disease process to the late stage; and 4) improving the patient's quality of life and psychological functioning."

From the website: http://www.rsdawareness.com/whatisrsd.htm