About RSD/CRPS

What is RSD?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD or RSDS), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a progressive disease of the autonomic nervous system that can follow a simple trauma (a fall or a sprained limb), a break or fracture (especially the wrist and ankle), sharp force injury (such as a knife or bullet wound), heart problems, infections, surgery, repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal injuries or disorders, or major trauma.

It is a multi-symptom disorder that can affect one, two, or even all four of the extremities. It can also present in the face, shoulders, back, eyes, and other areas as well. RSD involves nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels (which constrict and cause pain), and bones. It may spread from one part of the body to another, regardless of where the original injury occurred, and can spread in up to 70% of cases. In a small number of cases (8% or less) it can become systemic, or body-wide. Alessa has this rare form of full-body RSD.

Who can get RSD?
ANYONE can get RSD. There are millions of men, women, and children across the United States with this disease. It affects women more often than men, sometimes as high as four or five women for every man. RSD affects all age groups but predominantly occurs in the 30s or 40s. RSD is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists today.

Symptoms of RSD
There are four main criteria for a diagnosis of RSD:
1. Constant chronic burning pain
2. Inflammation
3. Spasms in blood vessels and muscles of the extremities
4. Insomnia and/or emotional disturbance

The constant pain is described as a burning pain, as if a red hot poker were inserted into the affected area, as well as throbbing, aching, stabbing, sharpness, tingling, and/or crushing in the affected area, which may not be the site of the original trauma. The affected area may be hot or cold to the touch. The main will be more severe than expected for the type of injury sustained.

Allodynia, extreme sensitivity to touch, is usually present as well. Something as simple as a light touch, clothing, sheets, even a breeze across the skin of the affected area can cause an extreme amount of pain to the patient. Pain can also be increased by sharp or loud sounds and vibrations. This makes it especially difficult on the loved ones of the patient, as their softest touch can now cause pain instead of pleasure. Because the symptoms do not seem typical of the original injury, they can cause extreme duress and confusion to all involved.

This information came from the American RSDHope Group.