RSD Condition & Symptoms

RSD is reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a chronic neurological condition in which nerves or soft tissue that is injured does not heal normally. It primarily affects legs and arms, and it causes continuous, severe, burning pain which continues to get worse. RSD is also known as complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS.

Causes

• The causes of RSD are known, but possible causes include heart attack, stroke, an injury or infection in an arm or leg, and damage to the nervous system.

Early Symptoms

• Symptoms of RSD in the early stages include pain and swelling in the limbs, severe burning in the affected areas, and skin that is dry and thin.

Mid-stage Symptoms

• Symptoms occurring later in the disease include a decrease in hair growth, more swelling of limbs, muscle and joint stiffness, and changes in the texture and color of skin.

Late-stage Symptoms

• RSD symptoms occurring as the disease has progressed can be irreversible. These symptoms include more pain, limited movement, muscle and tendon contractions, and muscle wasting.

Treatment

• Treatment of RSD includes physical or occupational therapy, pain medicine, steroids, medicine injected to numb nerves around the spinal column, and surgery.