The Stages of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

The Stages of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

The Stages of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Attorney in Sacramento. Medicine divides many of its diseases and syndromes into different stages. These stages are defined because they help both patients and their doctors understand the different symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments that can be used at various times. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is no different. For those who may not have heard of this syndrome before, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a disease that manifests itself in different ways in different people. Some of the most common symptoms that people may notice include:

  • Intense pain in an arm or a leg
  • Joint stiffness that can make it hard to move a hand or a foot
  • Swelling of the extremities
  • Changes in the complexion of skin
  • Alterations in patterns of growth of the hair or nails

For someone who suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, it is important to understand the different stages of the syndrome and how the disease may manifest at different points in time. Knowing which stage of the disease someone is in can help both the individual and their medical provider direct treatment and define a prognosis. What are the stages of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

The Three Stages of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy can develop due to a variety of causes. Some of the causes include:

  • A severe injury, such as a bone fracture
  • A complicated surgical procedure
  • An acute inflammatory or autoimmune disease
  • A major illness
  • Genetic predispositions

Regardless of the cause, the disease proceeds through three different stages. Along the way, individuals should expect their symptoms and the associated treatments to change. It is important to note that not everyone will go through all three stages. For some, the disease may disappear before all three phases are reached.

Stage One: The Acute Phase

The first stage occurs shortly after the inciting event. For some, it could be a traumatic injury. For others, it might be an illness that they had recently gotten over. Other individuals may not even remember the injury or illness that preceded the development of RSD. The first phase typically lasts for around one to three months. Some of the symptoms that people may experience include:

  • An intense or burning pain around the affected area
  • Muscle spasms that impact the arm or leg
  • Stiffness of the joints around the involved limb

These symptoms can make it difficult to use the affected limb. Furthermore, individuals may also notice changes in their skin, hair or nails. Their hair and nails may grow more quickly than they had previously. Furthermore, they may also notice temperature changes in the affected area. This could contribute to a change in the color of the skin. After a few months, patients may progress to the second stage.

Stage Two: The Dystrophic Phase

The second stage of RSD is typically called the dystrophic stage. Individuals who enter this stage should expect it to last around three to six months. In general, the symptoms discussed in the first stage will worsen. For many, this means that their pain is going to get worse. It may become more difficult to loosen up the joints. The swelling may make it difficult to put on clothes in the morning. Changes in the color of the skin may progress to changes in texture as well. It may become difficult to ignore. The muscle spasms will start to take their tone, and people may begin to feel weak. Lastly, the texture of the nails will start to become more noticeable. They may become cracked or brittle with the slightest trauma. Many have reported seeing grooves develop in their fingernails and toenails, along with color changes.

Stage Three: The Atrophic Phase

For individuals who progress to stage three, the prognosis is poor. The third phase is called the atrophic phase because the impacted parts of the body begin to atrophy. The muscles, skin, and bones that have been impacted by the previous months of symptoms will start to waste away. Unfortunately, these impacts may become irreversible. Those who have x-rays done of their bones will start to see osteoporosis. This is a decrease in the density of the bone due to this atrophy. This means that people are at a higher risk of developing bone fractures. Unfortunately, research articles that have been published do not have a definite timeframe regarding how long stage three will last; however, the symptoms start to plateau after around three years. If the symptoms do not plateau, the disease could worsen. In severe cases, the limb can start to decay and gangrene could develop. The final treatment for RSD of this severity would be to amputate the limb to stop the spread.

Because of the severity of this disease, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible. This can stop the syndrome from progressing to the later stages and can help to stop the disease at stage one or two. Some of the treatments that medical professionals could suggest include a nerve block to calm the nerves of the affected limb. This can help to keep some of the symptoms at bay and improve an individual’s quality of life.

Looking for Help: A Legal Professional

When someone has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, it can have an adverse effect on not only themselves but also their family. If the disease is serious, it can make it challenging to perform chores around the house, go to work regularly, attend school, or even drive a car. Because of this, a tremendous toll can start to weigh on a family. While seeking the assistance of a medical provider is an excellent place to start, meeting with a caring RSD attorney in Sacramento can also help a family find answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Reaching Out to an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer. If you or a family member have questions about the progression of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me today at (916)-382-0693 or (800) 404-5400. I would be willing to provide friendly, free advice.

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Image Credit: Pixabay – Creative Commons License

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