21 Jul What is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and How is it Treated?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, more commonly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a rare but debilitating disorder of the sympathetic nervous system. Individuals suffering from RSD experience chronic, severe pain that makes it difficult to complete day-to-day tasks.

The symptoms of RSD begin with burning pain in a localized area of the body such as a finger, arm, palm, or shoulder. Many individuals who suffer from RSD experience it in one or both legs. Unfortunately, RSD is easy to misdiagnose as a painful nerve injury, but the disease becomes apparent as the skin over the affected area swells and inflames. Skin in the affected areas will experience cutaneous hypersensitivity, extreme reactions to hot or cold temperatures.

Currently, the exact cause of RSD is unknown, though scientists and medical researchers hypothesize that it’s directly related to nerve injury, surgery, infection, or trauma. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is also believed to be a contributing factor. RSD manifests in three stages:

1. Acute. The first stage of RSD generally lasts up to three months. This stage is defined by sensitivity to touch and temperature. Pain from RSD is distinguished from injury-related pain, as it’s more constant and longer lasting. The affected area may turn red, and individuals may experience unusually fast nail and hair growth.
2. Dystrophic. Stage II of RSD can last up to a year. During this stage, swelling worsens, eliminating any wrinkles in the skin, which becomes cooler. Fingernails become brittle as pain and stiffness continue to spread. Sensitivity to touch will worsen during Stage II.
3. Atrophic. After one year of having the disease, skin becomes tight and stretches over the area as a result of swelling. It may even become shiny or pale due to the unnatural tension. Stiffness is so severe that the patient has less hope of regaining motion in the limb. At this point, pain may begin spreading to other areas of the body.

While the exact causes of RSD are debatable in the medical community, the good news is that treatment options are available to reduce pain and improve quality of life. You may be asked to return to the doctor’s office multiple times, as there is no single test or method that diagnoses RSD. By diagnosing RSD and acting on it early through treatments such as injection therapy, biofeedback, and therapy, you increase the likelihood of success. RSD is treatable, and it’s vital that you invest in a new, personalized approach to pain care. You deserve better quality of life.