Lymphedema is a Serious Complication of RSD
In recent years, there has been a tremendous media focus on the advancements made in the healthcare field. On the other hand, some medical issues continue to weigh down the medical system. One example of this is chronic pain. While it is often overlooked, chronic pain is a significant quality of life issue for millions of Americans every day. According to the statistics that have been published by The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM):
- More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain every day
- Many of these individuals require daily pain medication for symptom management
- For perspective, diabetes impacts 25 million people and cancer impacts 12 million in this country
- In the United States, chronic pain costs the country around $600 billion, which includes medical costs, costs related to disability, and costs related to lost productivity
- Research has shown that about 75 percent of those with terminal diseases spend their last few days in severe pain
- About 20 percent of adults in the United States report that pain disrupts their sleep pattern multiple nights per week
These statistics are heartbreaking because nobody should have to live in such severe pain. One of the diseases that cause chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While people with this disease struggle with pain on a daily basis, this pain can also lead to complications. One of the often overlooked complications of this disease is called lymphedema.
What is Lymphedema?
The lymphatic system is responsible for carrying fluid from the tissues into the blood. This system often carries cells, such as those from the immune system, and waste products from the tissue to the blood where it can be filtered. Some diseases can cause blockages in the lymphatic system. These blockages can prevent this fluid from re-entering the bloodstream. This blockage leads to swelling of the lymphatic system, which is termed lymphedema. This swelling can be painful and can seriously impact the functionality of the affected part of the body.
How does Lymphedema Develop in Individuals with RSD?
Someone who has been diagnosed with RSD is living with a chronic medical condition that leads to chronic pain. Those who live with this disease are often diagnosed only after a litany of tests has ruled out other options. RSD typically develops after some sort of traumatic accident has damaged the nerves in one or more of their limbs. It is this nerve damage which disrupts the traditional signaling of the nerve fibers in that limb, leading to crossed signals between the limb and the brain which are interpreted as pain. Lymphedema can develop in RSD from the protein-rich fluid that rushes to the site of the injury. The added protein can create a block in the lymphatic vessels, preventing it from draining properly. Fluid backs up behind the blockage and causes painful swelling to develop. Over time, this swelling can damage the skin and create a portal for infection. This infection can take the form of cellulitis, abscesses, or even gangrene. Severe infections could even lead to amputation of the affected limb. These infections are treated with antibiotics and diuretics could be used to relieve swelling of the limb.
Ultimately, people who live with chronic pain struggle with serious quality of life issues. These can impact their ability to go to work, stay in school, and even get out of bed in the morning. For individuals with RSD, it is important to seek help where available. Meeting with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento can be helpful. The diagnosis should be examined from every angle because no detail should be missed.
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Contact an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been struggling with complications from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please reach out to me by dialing 916-382-0693. I am happy to provide you with free, friendly legal advice.
View some of my client results here.
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