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.)

RSD Disease

Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

RSD

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

RSD Symptoms

Diagnosing Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

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