Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD/CRPS)

Home » Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD/CRPS) » Signs and Symptoms

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about RSD/CRPS
(Free Handout)

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of RSD/CRPS often progress in three stages—acute, dystrophic, and atrophic.

The acute stage occurs during the first 1–3 months and may include burning pain, swelling, increased sensitivity to touch, increased hair and nail growth in the affected region, joint pain, and color and temperature changes.

The dystrophic stage may involve constant pain and swelling. The affected limb may feel cool to the touch and appear bluish in color. Muscle stiffness, wasting of the muscles (atrophy), and early bone loss (osteoporosis) also may occur. This stage usually develops 3–6 months after onset of the disorder.

During the atrophic stage, the skin becomes cool and shiny, increased muscle stiffness and weakness occur, and symptoms may spread to another limb.

Characteristic signs and symptoms of sympathetic nervous system involvement include the following:

• Burning pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Skin color changes (red or bluish)
• Skin temperature changes (hot or cold)

Pain caused by RSD/CRPS usually in not proportionate to the degree of injury. It can be triggered by disuse of the affected limb or by stress and can be spontaneous or constant.

Symptoms associated with an immune reaction include:

• Joint pain
• Redness
• Swelling (edema)
• Frequent infections

Signs of motor system dysfunction include the following:

• Difficulty starting movement
• Increased muscle tone, stiffness
• Muscle spasm
• Tremor
• Weakness

Other symptoms of RSD/CPRS include the following:

• Dermatitis, eczema (inflammation of the skin)
• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue
• Migraine headache

Complications
Patients with any chronic illness, including RSD/CRPS, often suffer from depression and anxiety. Skin, muscle, and bone atrophy (wasting) are possible complications of this syndrome. Atrophy may occur because of reduced function of the affected limb.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD/CRPS), Signs and Symptoms reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD/CRPS) Resources

	Join Our RSD Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer