Prevention of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Attorney in Sacramento. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is one of the most overlooked and debilitating diseases in healthcare. For those who may not know, this syndrome can cause a wide variety of symptoms and issues that can have adverse impacts on someone’s quality of life. For some, they may notice severe pain in one or more of their limbs. For other people, this syndrome can cause swelling that might make it difficult to use an arm or a leg. Other individuals may feel like their joints are chronically stiff and difficult to move. Over the years, there have been many new treatments that have been put forth to help patients with this syndrome. Some of these include nerve blocking agents and total nerve transections; however, these treatments have side effects. Therefore, the most effective treatment option is to prevent this disease from taking root in the first place. What are some of the options for the prevention of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)?

Techniques to Prevent Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

There has been a significant amount of research into the field of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) to try and find ways to prevent this destructive disease from developing. In the past few years, a litany of research studies has been performed to try and figure out what people can do to protect themselves.

Vitamin C

A research article was published in the Lancet, one of the most respected medical research journals, evaluating the possibility of using Vitamin C to prevent the development of RSD or CRPS. In the study, researchers broke up the research participants into two different groups. The members of the groups, as well as the researchers, did not know which group was which. One group took Vitamin C daily, and the other group took a placebo or a “fake” pill. The two groups did this for 50 days, and every member of the study had sustained a severe bone fracture. At the end of the study, only 7 percent of the Vitamin C group had developed RSD, in comparison to almost a quarter of the placebo group. These significant results demonstrate that Vitamin C could help prevent RSD in those who have sustained serious injury.

Use of “Free Radical Scavengers”

There has also been research to show that the use of medications termed “free radical scavengers” could play a role in the prevention of RSD. This has been published in several journals, such as the Lancet and various orthopedic journals, and suggests that RSD develops as a result of acute inflammation of the nerves. Research indicates that this inflammation is due to molecules termed free radicals, which can develop as a response to pain. The hope is that by taking medications that scavenge and remove these free radicals, RSD can be prevented. Vitamin C is an example of a free radical scavenger, which is why the researchers above tested its efficacy.

Nerve Blocks with Surgery

Because many cases of RSD or CRPS develop following a surgical procedure, there has also been research done into various surgical methods. The hope is that by changing surgical procedures, the development of RSD could be minimized. Articles published in the Journal of Anesthesiology have suggested that using regional nerve blocks instead of general anesthesia could help reduce the development of RSD or CRPS. Most of these articles use case reports from individuals who had developed RSD in the past following surgery. When these individuals returned for subsequent operations, the anesthesiologists used a regional nerve block instead of general anesthesia. Many of these individuals did not develop RSD when a regional nerve block was used, in contrast to their prior operations which used general anesthesia. Although anecdotal, the cases were published in the Journal of Anesthesiology and many medical professionals support the research.

Severe Injury

Lastly, many of the cases of RSD developed following a serious accident or injury. Therefore, people should take steps to remain safe when engaging in risky activities. Examples include:

Drive safely to avoid auto accidents. Wear a seatbelt, remain under the speed limit, and don’t drive while intoxicated.
Use a helmet and wear proper padding while riding a bike or a motorcycle.
Be careful to avoid slip and fall injuries. Use railings when provided and do not run on slippery surfaces.
Take care while playing sports. Use the suggested safety equipment and make sure to stretch properly prior to engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Acknowledge all warning signs and why they might be present. Do not venture into closed off areas. They are closed for a reason.

Without a doubt, people should think about all of these factors and how they might play a role in preventing the development of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Unfortunately, despite all of these interventions, people could still develop Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). This disease can happen following a major surgery, as a result of an injury or illness, or due to a fault of genetics. If someone does get diagnosed with RSD, what are they supposed to do? Where should they look for help?

Help When it is Needed

Without a doubt, there are many actions that people can take to help prevent Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) from developing. Unfortunately, some people can develop this syndrome for reasons that are no fault of their own. Accidents happen, and serious injury from these accidents can cause RSD to develop. If someone has been diagnosed with RSD, it is vital for them to know what to do. Seeking professional medical help is always a good idea; however, thinking outside of the box can be helpful as well. Take the time to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. A trained legal professional may have ideas that could make a difference in the quality of life for not only the individual but also the entire family.

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Attorney in Sacramento. If you or a family member has questions about the prevention of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please give me a call at (916)-382-0693 or (800) 404-5400. I would be happy to provide friendly, free advice to anyone who asks.

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