Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome - Treatment
What kinds of treatment, including medication, have you tried for your RSD?
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What is the treatment for reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)?
Response to treatment of RSD is greater in the earlier stages of the condition than in the later stages.
- Cool, moist applications to the affected areas can provide some relief of burning symptoms.
- Gradual exercise can help prevent contractures.
- Medications for pain and inflammation can also reduce symptoms.
- For persisting symptoms, high doses of prednisone (cortisone) may be used for periods of weeks, depending on the response, and then gradually reduced.
- Other medications that may be of benefit include amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), pregabalin (Lyrica), and clonidine (Catapres, Catapres=TTS, Jenloga).
- Occasionally, a nerve block with anesthetic injected into a specialized area of the involuntary nervous system (for example, a stellate ganglion blockade) can help both in treatment and in establishing the diagnosis. Sometimes a series of these blocks is tried.
- Other treatments include surgically interrupting the nerves (the sympathetic nerves) of the involuntary nervous system (surgical sympathectomy), implanting pumps with pain medication into the spinal canal (intrathecal drug pumps), and spinal cord stimulation devices.
See what others are saying
I have had RSD since a shoulder replacement surgery back in 2006, which had to be redone five months later. I was diagnosed in 2012 with RSD. I underwent the Ketamine infusions, which helped to a small degree, but in 2013 heard of a drug called low-dose naltrexone (LDN) and started it. I have been amazed at the help it has given me. I would strongly suggest to anyone that has this disease to research, talk with your doctor, and give this drug a try. It's given me my life back.
I was diagnosed with RSDS in 2003, two years after a crush injury to my foot, and three subsequent surgeries. Once diagnosed, I was referred to a pain clinic. The folks there know exactly what RSDS is, and have a treatment plan for it. Originally, I was treated with pain medications, but began a series of nerve blocks into the sympathetic nerve (injections occurred at the site of a nerve "bundle" in my lower back). Then, the last two blocks I had done were performed using "radio frequency" to oblate those nerves. The first block lasted for nine months, and the second one was in 2005. I haven't had one since, and do not take any daily medications other than vitamins. I have been able to wear a variety of shoes, run on my treadmill, and do most anything. I recently had a fourth surgery and am concerned that my RSDS will need to be managed again, but I feel good about my options for care.
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