Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is where the nervous system is affected by an injury therefore can’t function well. There are symptoms of this problem like severe burning pain in the area, too much sweating, swelling of tissue and the body is sensitive to touch. This can be diagnosed when any form of injury has failed to heal. Unfortunately there is no test that can identify if you have this problem. A doctor can only base this on medical history and physical check up. When an injury is accompanied with swelling, disorder in the movement, abnormal nervous system and altered growth of tissue, this is most likely Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
You can actually classify this into two, type I or RSD and type II or Causalgia. The latter can’t be identified easily. You can’t move the area and there is a pain accompanying it. After this, you notice edema and skin discoloration which cause by abnormal blood flow to the skin. On the other hand, type II is characterized by pain even after injury as well as change in the blood flow.
The bad news is that there is no cure for this consider but there are methods to reduce pain and prevent its worsening. You can actually take in medications that you can use if there is constant pain, inflammation, cramps and more. You can also undergo physical therapy for pain management. There are also techniques like application of pressure in the area. You can ask your therapist about it.
Sympathetic nerve blocks can also minimize the pain. If the nerves are blocked, the pain could be relieved. There is also a Surgical Sympathectomy that can be performed. It is an invasive surgery that can serve as your last resort. Consult your doctor because there are possible complications that accompany this procedure.