RSD, which stands for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a condition that causes pain, tenderness, and swelling of one extremity or another, along with sweating, flushing, discoloration, or shiny skin. Some other names for the condition include “complex regional pain syndrome,” “the shoulder-hand syndrome,” “causalgia,” and “Sudeck’s atrophy.
The causes of this syndrome are undetermined, but events can trigger outbreaks. Some common types of triggers are injuries, surgeries, heart disease, degenerative arthritis, strokes or other types of heart disease, shingles, and certain types of drugs.
Upon onset, there are a few things that can be done to ease the symptoms. Applying a cool pack can provide relief for the burning symptoms, and exercise can ease contractions. Prednisone can be u