Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome.
Last updated Monday, December 27, 2004
Figure 1 - Three progressive stages of RSDS SymptomsSymptoms The main symptom of RSDS is severe pain, often burning in nature.
The disorder may eventually result in dystrophy (weakness or wasting)
of the area. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important if
RSDS is to be successfully managed.
The course of the syndrome can be divided into three progressive stages (see figure 1).
These stages may be difficult to recognize in some individuals, and
not everyone goes through them. If immediate treatment is started in
the first stage, the disorder may not progress further.
First stage
Initially, the main symptom of RSDS is pain--usually
burning in nature. RSDS may also be felt in other ways, such as
lingering pain from an injury or an operation. Most commonly the pain
is present in the hand and foot, but it is not unusual to have pain in
the hand and shoulder or the foot and knee. Less commonly, pain is
present only in the knee, kneecap, hip, shoulder, or elsewhere.
Usually, in the first stage, the affected area is swollen and tender.
Changes in the temperature and color of skin may occur, along with
sweating. Other symptoms may include rapid hair and nail growth, and
loss of ability to move affected joints normally.
Second stage
After the condition has been present for weeks or months, the second
stage develops. The pain is often made worse by changes in temperature
or by other stimulation, such as breezes, air conditioning, or light
touch. The skin becomes cool, and the nails become brittle. The area
may become very swollen and look pale and waxy. X-rays show thinning or
damage of the joints or bones. Pain may spread, usually moving towards
the center of the body (from the foot to the hip or the hand to the
shoulder, for example). Often the spreading pain affects the muscles,
producing painful spasms.
Third stage
Permanent changes may result during the final stage of this
disorder. The pain may remain severe, although some people notice less
pain. The skin becomes drawn, and the muscles and other tissues become
wasted and contracted (tight). Joint movement is greatly impaired.
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