RSD SYNDROME

What is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD)?

RSD, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, describes a form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Doctors now refer to RSD as “type 1 CRPS” or “complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 1.”

This nerve disorder affects pain regulation by disturbing the nerves within the central and sympathetic nervous syndrome. The central nervous system controls most of the brain and body’s functions. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our immediate responses to pain or stress.

What are the symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD)?

The two most important features of RSD/CRPS 1 are allodynia and hyperalgesia.

Allodynia involves feeling pain from stimuli that are not usually painful.  A person with allodynia may experience pain from a light touch. Your provider may test for allodynia by lightly touching a person’s skin with a cotton swab.

Hyperalgesia involves increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. If a person were to have an excessive response to pain, it may indicate that they have hyperalgesia to your provider.

Both RSD and CRPS are chronic conditions that cause severe burning pain that affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet. There are often some changes to bones and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch, also known as allodynia. Some other symptoms include:

  • changes in skin temperature: warmer or cooler compared to the opposite extremity
  • changes in skin color: often blotchy, purple, pale, or red
  • changes in skin texture: shiny and thin, sometimes excessively sweaty
  • changes in nail and hair growth patterns
  • swelling and stiffness in the affected joint
  • motor disability, with decreased ability to move affected body part

RSD is sometimes called Type I CRPS, which is triggered by tissue injury without nerve injury, while Type II CRPS refers to cases where a high-velocity impact occurred at the site and is clearly associated with nerve injury. RSD is unusual in that it affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones at the same time.

What are treatments for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)?

Some common therapies to reduce the symptoms of CRPS include:

  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Desensitization
  • Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
  • Anti-Convulsants
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
  • Psychological Support

What are the symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

  • Burning pain
  • Skin is increasingly more sensitive to touch
  • Changes in skin temperature: warmer or cooler compared to the opposite extremity
  • Changes in skin color: often blotchy, purple, pale, or red
  • Changes in skin texture: shiny and thin, sometimes excessively sweaty
  • Changes in nail and hair growth patterns
  • Stiffness and swelling in affected joint
  • Decreased ability to move affected body part

What are the causes of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

Though the cause of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is not known, the condition is thought to be a malfunctioning of the sympathetic nervous system (some researchers are not sure. of this theory). Some conditions that can trigger RSD are sprains, fractures, surgery, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and certain brain injuries.

What are the treatments for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

RSD is a treatable condition. Some treatment options include:

  • Medications: Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs,  oral corticosteroids, anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, anti-convulsants, and opioid analgesics are medications recommended to relieve symptoms.
  • Steroid Injections
  • Physical Therapy
  • Spinal cord stimulator
  • Pain pump implantation

If you or a loved one suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, contact us. Let Nextgen Wellness give you the care you deserve.

Our mission is to help patients to return to work, improve their quality of life, reduce dependence on medication and healthcare providers, and avoid persistent injuries.

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