Reflex Sympathetic Disorder, RSD or CRSD for short, is a chronic progressive neurological condition that affects skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome develops in an injured limb, such as a broken ankle or foot bone. The injury itself may be major or minor. In some cases, no specific precipitating event can be identified. The usual pattern of spread is up the same extremity and then may continue to spread on the same side of the body or to the opposite extremity. RSD has been known to spread to a distant site.
The “injured” area develops into various degrees of burning pain, excessive sweating, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. The skin appears to be very thin and there will be a different appearance in the specific area, such as being red, swollen and warm to the touch. There should be a loss of function in the area of injury, such as less range of motion, limping, etc. Some RSD cases involve nerve injury and some do not. The condition varies in how disabling is it. To many, it is substantially disabling and to others it is minimally so.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- CRSD – Complex regional pain syndrome
Symptoms:
- Burning pain
- Excessive sweating in injury area
- Change in coloration of the injured area
- Swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch
Signs to look for:
- Overgrown and grooved nails
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Change in coloration of the injured area
- Swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch
Possible Causes:
- Appears to involve an interaction of the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems, and the immune system.
- It is thought that brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) control over these various processes is somehow changed as a result of the injury.
Goals:
- Stimulate circulation in the foot
- Align feet, ankles, knees and hips
- Create or restore optimal foot motion and gait
- Restore balance
- Footwear that allows the foot to move forward with as little lateral (side to side) motion as possible
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
- If foot extremely painful, place arch supports under a plastazote cushion
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- For Smart footwear, wear stable heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only
Other:
Activities:
- Medical treatment
- Regular aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise program
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercise, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming or bicycling (non-weight bearing)
- Regular stretching program before and after exercise
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: Podiatrychannel.com, rsds.org