Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain condition triggered by several factors that cause the sympathetic nervous system and immune system to malfunction. People diagnosed with RSD often experience pain or burning sensations in their extremities, muscle stiffness, muscle tremors, and changes to their skin, fingernails, and hair. The condition is not fatal but can be life-altering.
For some people with RSD, symptoms will go away, often within a year. But sometimes, symptoms spread away from the initial site and affect a whole limb or even the body as a whole. In rare cases, the pain, skin changes, and motor symptoms persist for years and become debilitating.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of RSD after an accident or surgical procedure, you need an experienced New York personal injury attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Hach & Rose, LLP has recovered over $1 billion for injured New Yorkers and understands the considerable impact RSD include. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Key Facts About RSD
RSD is diagnosed in 5.46 out of every 100,000 people. While it’s not life-threatening, it can be life-altering and severely painful.
Medical professionals also refer to RSD by several other names, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), CRPS type 1, CRPS type 2, and reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND). CRPS-1 differs from CRPS-2 in that it doesn’t involve damage to a specific nerve. CRPS can occur at any age, including in kids and young adults, but many cases occur around age 40. The syndrome affects more women than men. Medications are available for treatment.
Symptoms and Causes of RSD
Medical researchers have not pinpointed the exact causes of RSD. However, major skeletal injuries, internal organ damage, and neuro-related malfunctions, such as a case of shingles, all seem to trigger an initial episode of the condition. These can lead to a variety of painful symptoms that require a medical diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of RSD?
People diagnosed with RSD do not all have the same symptoms. Some may have only a few symptoms, while others may have more. Key signs and symptoms of the syndrome include:
- Ongoing burning or throbbing pain, often in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Joint stiffness and swelling
- Decreased mobility in the affected body part
- Muscle spasms, tremors and weakness (atrophy)
- Sensitivity to touch or cold
- Swelling of an affected area
- Changes in skin temperature
- Changes in skin color (to white, red, or blue) and texture
- Changes in hair and nail growth
An individual’s underlying health can be a contributing factor affecting recovery. A pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, a heart condition, or cancer, can hinder the success of treatment.
What Causes RSD?
Although researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of RSD, they believe some primary causes of the condition are injuries (such as harsh soft-tissue sprains or bone fractures), surgery, stroke, or heart attack.
One possible cause of RSD is immobilizing a limb as part of the healing process, such as having a broken arm or leg in a cast. There may be a link between the immobilization of a limb and future limb swelling and sensitivity to pain. Damage to blood vessels or nerves and certain brain injuries may also cause RSD.
How Is RSD Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose RSD through several methods. Neurologists, orthopedists, and plastic surgeons familiar with neurological and pain syndromes can all diagnose the condition.
The Budapest criteria for CRPS are useful diagnostic tools. They are based on signs of abnormal pain sensations, such as allodynia or hyperesthesia, temperature or skin color changes, changes in sweating or limb swelling, and decreased mobility or abnormal limb movement.
Other elements of the diagnostic process may include ultrasounds and MRIs, which can reveal underlying nerve and tissue damage. Additionally, triple-phase bone scans that use a radiotracer agent can sometimes show areas of bone changes affected by CRPS. Finally, nerve conduction studies can detect most nerve injuries associated with CRPS-2, although these exams would not detect CRPS-1.
How Is RSD Treated?
Treatment for RSD starts with pain management but also includes injury rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Other key treatment components include cognitive therapy and mental exercises.
If symptoms develop in someone wearing a cast, doctors may re-cast the injury and prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medications. For people afflicted in their arms or legs, physicians recommend elevating the affected limb while sleeping. Patients also may wear compression stockings and sleeves.
Additionally, doctors increasingly recognize the role of psychotherapy in treating CRPS. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can heighten someone’s pain, reduce physical activity and brain function, and make it more difficult for them to seek medical care.
Someone diagnosed with RSD can expect to take one or more prescription or over-the-counter medications to provide relief to tissue, joint, and nerve pain. These medications might include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen.
- Gabapentin, nortriptyline, pregabalin, and duloxetine
- Lidocaine patches, creams, sprays, and ointments
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone
For those experiencing severe pain, doctors may prescribe opioids like morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.
Additionally, diabetes and chemotherapy can make recovery difficult, and doctors recommend that anyone with RSD maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. This includes abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol.
What Is the Prognosis for Someone with RSD?
Despite experiencing chronic pain, people who have RSD can live long, fulfilling lives. However, for many people, the condition is life-changing. They may no longer be able to work because of the pain or a limited range of motion. One recent analysis of 22 RSD studies showed that 30 to 40 percent of people with the condition did not return to work. Another 27 to 35 percent required some accommodation to return to work.
As a result, many people with RSD experience significant financial challenges due to lost income. When they also face unexpected medical expenses due to the need for RSD treatment, this can be a stressful combination.
Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’re dealing with RSD symptoms following surgery, a car accident, a workplace incident, or another type of injury, you deserve solid legal support to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. For almost 25 years, Hach & Rose, LLP has served New York clients dealing with the aftermath of injuries. We’re prepared to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life due to RSD. Contact our law firm today at (212) 779-0057 or through our online form to begin the process with a free consultation.