Let's review RSD!

What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) is a chronic neurologic disease characterized by intense and persistent pain. Although CRPS is still classified as a rare disorder (affecting less than 200,000), a newer epidemiological study conducted by de Mos et al** reported that there may be up to 50,000 new CRPS-1 cases annually in the United States. People with the syndrome typically see several physicians before being diagnosed. We are, however, making progress in understanding this little-known and poorly understood syndrome.

CRPS occurs when part of the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma, such as an injury or a medical procedure. The nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. There are two types of CRPS: Type I (RSD) and Type II (Causalgia), which has definite nerve damage.

CRPS is a Physical Disease
Many of the symptoms of CRPS are not visible to others, and often people with the syndrome don’t look sick. It has not been unusual for medical professionals to suggest that people with CRPS exaggerate their pain for psychological reasons. However, research has proven that CRPS is a very real condition.

Telltale Signs and Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS is a diagnostic consideration for people who have moderate-to severe pain that is disproportionate to any inciting event (sprain, fracture, surgery, etc.) and has some of the following characteristics:
* Pain which is described as deep, aching, cold, burning, and/or increased skin
sensitivity
* The presence of an initiating noxious event (sprain, fracture, etc.)
* Continuing pain (moderate to severe) associated with allodynia (pain resulting from a stimulus that normally does not cause pain, such as the touch of clothing or water from a shower), or hyperalgesia (heightened sensitivity to painful stimulation).
* Abnormal swelling in the affected part
* Abnormal hair or nail growth
* Abnormal skin color changes
* Abnormal skin temperature (greater than 1°C asymmetry)
* Abnormal sweating
* Limited range of movement, weakness, or other motor disorders (paralysis, dystonia etc.)
* CRPS is excluded by the existence of conditions that would otherwise account for the degree of pain and dysfunction

http://www.rsdsa.org
**de Mos M, de Bruijn AGJ, Huygen FJPM, Dieleman JP, Stricker BHCh, Sturkenboom MCJM. The incidence of complex regional pain syndrome: A population-based study. Pain. 2007; 129:12-20.