How to Diagnose RSD
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a rare, chronic condition typically affecting legs and arms. Also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the condition has two types. Most people with RSD have Type 1, which occurs after an illness or injury that does not directly damage a nerve in the affected limb. Type 2 occurs after a nerve injury. Symptoms of RSD include intense, burning pain in your arm, hand, leg or foot that continues to get worse, and a decreased ability to move affected body parts. You also might experience muscle weakness, spasms and atrophy, joint swelling, stiffness and damage, skin sensitivity and changes in your skin's color and texture. RSD treatment works best when started early; early treatment might even lead to remission.
Instructions
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Instructions
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See a doctor. An accurate diagnosis of RSD is necessary to treat the disease properly. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and get your medical history before performing diagnostic tests.
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Have a bone scan. A radioactive substance is injected into your veins while your doctor looks at your bones with a special camera. Increased circulation to joints affected by RSD will be seen with a bone scan.
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Have sympathetic nervous system tests. Your doctor will check any disturbances in your sympathetic nervous system with these tests. Thermography is a test that measures blood flow and skin temperature in RSD-affected areas. Other tests measure sweat on arms and legs.
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Get an X-ray. Mineral loss in your bones can show up on X-rays during later stages of RSD. The procedure involves exposing you to a small amount of ionizing radiation to get pictures of the bones inside your body.
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Have an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio frequency pulses, a magnetic field and a computer to show bones, organs, soft tissues and other internal structures of your body.
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Tips & Warnings
Improve how RSD affects you by maintaining normal daily activities, staying connected with family and friends, and continuing to do hobbies you enjoy. Remember to get rest and go about your activities and routine at a comfortable pace to prevent becoming too tired.
Complications from not diagnosing or treating RSD include muscle atrophy, in which your muscles being to waste away due to inactivity, and contracture, in which your muscles tighten into a fixed position. RSD can spread from the initial pain site to another area, such as from hand to shoulder or face. Pain can jump from one limb to another, or from one part of the body to a distant body part.
