Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain disorder affecting the sympathetic nervous system. RSD is considered a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1, which more fully represents the full scope of the condition's symptoms and signs.
Some six to eight million people are afflicted with RSD. Most of these are women. RSD usually starts in one extremity, such as the foot or hand, and progressively worsens and spreads to other areas of the body.
RSD can be caused by minor injuries and can develop anytime from immediately after you are injured to several days later. The first sign of RSD is a painful sensation that is not in proportion to the type of injury and the pain often continues after the injury is healed.
If you have RSD, contact Grimes & Teich LLP and ask to speak with one of our
Traumas that can lead to RSD:
- Heart attack
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Tight-fitting casts
- Cuts Surgery
- Infection
- Repetitive motion disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of RSD
Not all symptoms of RSD need to be evident for a person to have RSD. Patients can have different symptoms depending on the stage of their RSD. If you are experiencing at least three of the following symptoms, you may have RSD:
- Swelling and tenderness of the joints
- Tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Extreme burning or aching pain
- Partial or complete loss of motor function
- Increased sweating around the injured or afflicted area
- Osteoporosis
- Bone softening
- Change in skin color
- Change in skin temperature
The Three Stages of RSD
There are three stages of RSD. Each stage is unpredictable and normally lasts for approximately three months however this may vary from person to person. A person can experience different stages of RSD in different parts of the body simultaneously.
Stage 1: Acute
There is severe pain in the area of the injury, including muscle stiffness, swelling, and muscle cramping. The person may sweat profusely. There may be changes in skin color and temperature and the person may be more sensitive to light and touch.
Stage 2: Dystrophic
Swelling and pain increase and begin to spread to other parts of the body. Muscle tissue and bone may start to deteriorate. Nails and hair may change in consistency, and their growth may become erratic.
Stage 3: Atrophic
A person experiences unmanageable pain and irreversible muscle atrophy. Some patients may experience this third stage of RSD in all parts of the body.
Why you need an RSD lawyer
RSD can develop from injuries received in an accident caused by someone else. Injuries from motor vehicle accidents or those caused by errors, such as a misdirected needle, unnecessary surgery, misdiagnosis or faulty medical treatments, can be grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
RSD cases can be very complicated. Those who have it need the help of a legal professional who is experienced in dealing with RSD cases and knows that RSD is a serious condition that can be permanent, painful, and costly. At Grimes and Teich, we have experienced North Carolina or South Carolina Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy lawyers who can help you.
Grimes & Teich Represents The People That Need Our Help The Most:
Firm Attorneys: S. Janson Grimes, Henry E. Teich, Ruth C. Smith, Scott M. Anderson, Thomas W. Henson Jr., and Sarah Lockett.
FREE CONSULTATION
Were you or someone you love injured in an accident? Contact Grimes & Teich immediately and ask to speak with a
Grimes & Teich LLP has law offices located in