What is rsd disease

An excessive response to pain could indicate hyperalgesia to a doctor. People with CRPS 1 may also experience dysfunction of sweat glands and blood vessels. These issues could result in:. Some people experience widespread, or systemic, effects of CRPS 1. Systemic effects extend to other systems within the body. Diagnosing CRPS 1 can be challenging. This is because it shares many symptoms with other conditions, such as:. In order to meet these criteria, a person must have either allodynia or hyperalgesia, plus at least one symptom in two or more of the following categories:.

A doctor will diagnose CRPS if a person meets the above criteria and if their symptoms do not fit those of a different diagnosis. Some people living with CRPS may see gradual improvements over time. However, it can progress to a chronic pain condition in others. Currently, there are no set guidelines for the treatment and management of CRPS 1. However, a team of doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists can work together to design a treatment plan for each individual.

A doctor may recommend treating CRPS 1 with one or more drugs. Some of these drugs may include:. Other treatments include:. A report on CRPS 1 treatment concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of one treatment over another. Further high-quality research is necessary to identify the most effective treatments for pain and disability among people with CRPS 1. Doctors suggest that multiple factors may contribute to the development of CRPS 1.

These include:. The causes of these issues may relate to genetics, inflammation , psychological factors, or a combination. We can help. Here you can learn more about this condition and its symptoms to help you and your doctor rule it in — or rule it out. However, up to , individuals experience this condition in the United States, alone, in any given year. CRPS occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma.

The nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. Treatment is most effective when started early. In such cases, improvement and even remission are possible. Symptoms may change over time and vary from person to person. Pain, swelling, redness, noticeable changes in temperature and hypersensitivity particularly to cold and touch usually occur first. Over time, the affected limb can become cold and pale. It may undergo skin and nail changes as well as muscle spasms and tightening.

Once these changes occur, the condition is often irreversible. CRPS occasionally may spread from its source to elsewhere in your body, such as the opposite limb. In some people, signs and symptoms of CRPS go away on their own. In others, signs and symptoms may persist for months to years. Treatment is likely to be most effective when started early in the course of the illness. If you experience constant, severe pain that affects a limb and makes touching or moving that limb seem intolerable, see your doctor to determine the cause.

It's important to treat CRPS early. The cause of CRPS isn't completely understood. It's thought to be caused by an injury to or an abnormality of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

CRPS typically occurs as a result of a trauma or an injury. CRPS occurs in two types, with similar signs and symptoms, but different causes:. Many cases of CRPS occur after a forceful trauma to an arm or a leg.

This can include a crushing injury or a fracture. Other major and minor traumas — such as surgery, heart attacks, infections and even sprained ankles — also can lead to CRPS.