Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD, is a progressive neurological condition that is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 60, explain medical experts with Kansas Medical Clinic PA. This condition, which is also known as complex regional pain syndrome, causes symptoms of severe pain, increased skin sensitivity and unusual skin changes within the affected body region. Affected patients should discuss the potential complications of RSD with a medical professional for more information.
Muscle Atrophy
Severe pain due to RSD may limit a patient's use of the affected body region. Restricted movement prevents the muscles from fully engaging and maintaining their normal strength. Consequently, patients with RSD can experience muscle atrophy or wasting as a complication of this condition, explain health professionals with MayoClinic.com. The affected body region can appear unusually thin or disfigured, and patients may have difficulty moving the weakened limb normally.
Involuntary Muscle Contractions
Nerve damage resulting from RSD can interfere with the way signals are sent and received from the affected muscles. Abnormal nerve signaling can cause the muscles to tighten or contract involuntarily, reports MayoClinic.com. Patients who develop involuntary muscle contractions as a complication of RSD can experience unusual clenching of the fingers or toes. Irregular muscle contracts can interfere with a patient's ability to grasp or pick up certain items, such as a pen or cup.
Edema
Edema can occur as a serious complication of RSD in certain people, report Dr. van der Laan and colleagues in a 1998 article published in the journal "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation." Edema is a complication characterized by excessive fluid retention within a patient's body tissues. Affected patients may develop unusually swollen or enlarged feet, ankles, hands or arms due to edema. This extensive swelling can make it difficult for patients with RSD to move about normally. Certain patients may also experience problems fitting enlarged, puffy feet into socks or shoes.
Spread of Disease
Typically, the symptoms of RSD arise in one specific region of a patient's body. In certain cases, patients can experience the spread of disease symptoms to another region of the body as a complication of RSD, report MedlinePlus health professionals. This spread of disease symptoms can result in debilitating pain that significantly limits a patient's ability to participate in normal daily activities.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - Complications
- Kansas Medical Clinic PA: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation;" Severe Complications of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy...; Dr. van der Laan, et. al.; April 1998
- MedlinePlus: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - Possible Complications
- Drugs.com: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
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