Introduction
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a condition whereby one experiences swelling, stiffness, discoloration, and excruciating pain. It can arise due to use of certain drugs or due to certain diseases. A more scientifically acceptable name is complex regional pain syndrome type-I (CRPS-I). CRPS type-I has an initiating event such as a fracture. With CRPS type-I, the pain is continuous and unrelated to the original injury. Edema, changes of the skin color and sweating in the area of pain characterize CRPS type-I. CRPS type-II, or causalgia, arises due to a peripheral nerve injury while CRPS type-I arises due to the non-existence of a ...
