RSD Specialist

What is RSD?

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) syndrome is a type of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that causes pain or burning sensations in your extremities. It might result after tissue injuries and can affect your muscles, skin, nerves, blood vessels, or bones. Treatment often offers symptom relief.

What are the symptoms of RSD?

Long-lasting, intense pain is a common symptom of RSD. You might experience:

• Pain in your arms, legs, feet, or hands
• Skin sensitivity
• Burning pain
• Changes in skin color, texture, or temperature
• Nail or hair growth changes
• Joint swelling or stiffness
• Decreased joint range of motion
• Motor function disability

Pain associated with RSD can get worse over time. If this is the case or the pain is debilitating, see the experts at Houston Pain Specialists for an evaluation.

What causes RSD?

The cause of RSD isn’t known. It might result from problems with your sympathetic nervous system or injuries in your arms, legs, hands, or feet. Examples include fractures, sprains, blood vessel or nerve damage, surgery, and even brain injuries.

How is RSD diagnosed?

To diagnose RSD, your Houston Pain Specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete an exam and may recommend nerve conduction tests, X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures. However, there’s no single test that detects RSD.

How is RSD treated?

Early RSD diagnosis and treatment may help prevent disease progression, which is why seeing the experts at Houston Pain Specialists at the first sign of symptoms is important. Your specialist might recommend one of the following RSD treatments:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a natural way to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion – and alleviate RSD pain.

Medications

Medications might relieve inflammation and pain associated with RSD.

Spinal cord stimulation

With spinal cord stimulation, your physician implants a tiny device near your spinal cord to send electrical impulses and diminish pain signals to your brain.

Electrical nerve stimulation

Electrical nerve stimulation uses a special device to apply electrical impulses to nerve endings for pain relief. You can use the device at home as needed for discomfort.

Don’t live with chronic and debilitating RSD pain. Schedule an appointment with Houston Pain Specialists over the phone or online at the first sign of symptoms.