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RSD Disease
A chronic disease, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a pain condition that is believed to be the result of problems in the central or peripheral nervous system. Its most common symptom is continuous, intense pain. In addition, a person with RSD may notice dramatic changes in the color and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part.
Other symptoms can include:
- "Burning" pain
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Changes in skin texture (shiny and thin and sometimes excessively sweaty)
- Changes in skin temperature (warmer or cooler compared to the opposite arm or leg).
No cure exists for RSD. However, many treatment options are available to help relieve symptoms and allow people to resume their normal lives and activities, such as:
- Psychotherapy
- Physical therapy
- Medications.
(For more details about this disease, click RSD. This full-length article lists other common symptoms and offers details on the factors that affect your prognosis.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD