CRPS
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a nasty and chronic pain disorder affecting as many as 1.5 million Americans. It often begins with severe pain in one hand or foot. It is also referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), although I still prefer to use the name Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. CRPS is called type 1 (RSD) when there is no clear damage to the nerve. Type 2 CRPS (Causalgia) occurs when there is actual damage to the nerve instead of only to the affected limb. When I first meet a person, and I see that they immediately move their hand or foot out of the way to be sure that it is not touched, I quickly inquire about symptoms suggesting RSD.
Any number of traumas, including accidents, fractures, surgery, or even mild injuries such as IV insertions, can trigger RSD in one’s hands or feet. Interestingly, injury of the hip can cause foot pain, and injury in the shoulder can cause hand pain. A heart attack can also trigger RSD in the hand. Pain is usually burning or stinging and the skin has exquisite sensitivity to even the lightest touch. It is sometimes associated with swelling, color and temperature changes in that hand or foot, and unusual sweating. Muscle spasms, tremor, and/or weakness may also be present. Although it is classically considered to affect just one extremity, according to one survey as many as 70 percent of people with RSD noted spreading of pain beyond the hand or foot to other parts of the body.