Pain Management

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Injecting a numbing medicine near the affected sympathetic nerves. This is usually recommended early in RSD.

Stage 1

May last up to 3 months. Burning pain and increased sensitivity to touch are the most common. Swelling and joint stiffness usually follow, along with increased warmth and redness. There may be faster-than-normal nail and hair growth and excessive sweating.

Stage 2

Can last 3-12 months. Swelling is constant and skin wrinkles disappear. Skin temperature becomes cooler. Fingernails become brittle. Pain is widespread, stiffness increases, and the area becomes more sensitive to touch.

Stage 3

Occurs after 1 year. The skin of the affected area becomes pale, dry, tightly stretched, and shiny. The area is stiff and there is less hope of getting motion back.

What Medical Tests Do I Need?

X-Rays: to rule out any abnormal bone structures that might be causing your symptoms.
MRI: to rule out any abnormal soft tissue structures that might be causing your symptoms
Nerve Conduction Study: to show whether the nerves in the extremity are carrying signals normally and the hand muscles are responding to those signals.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral corticosteroids, anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, anti-convulsants, vitamins, and opioid analgesics.