Is your broken bone causing secondary symptoms like RSD?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome endures long after the bone has healed

A broken bone is traumatic and painful, but it should be a short-term injury. A bone fracture typically requires setting by a medical professional, a period of rest while it heals, and then physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.

In rare cases, however, the trauma that caused a broken bone may lead to another, more lasting condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Sadly, this debilitating condition may last the rest of your life. If you believe you have developed RSD or CRPS due to a work injury or automobile accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney right away.

Are you dealing with RSD “pain syndrome”?

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD, refers to pain in one arm, hand, leg or foot. It is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. Typically, people with RSD don’t realize something is wrong at first. The bone seems to be healing, and you expect a full recovery. But over time, pain symptoms may not subside. In fact, they may get worse. People with RSD often experience deep, severe pain in the affected limb or extremity. Some people experience a cold sensation or a burning one, or extreme sensitivity of the surrounding skin.

RSD can affect you for the rest of your life

While the exact cause of RSD/CRPS is unknown, many cases are associated with a broken arm, a broken leg or similar trauma to the affected limb. Many people experience secondary symptoms. The skin in the affected area may become incredibly sensitive to touch, to the point where even the brush of fabric or a shower could be painful. The skin and nearby hair or nails may change in color, texture or temperature.

RSD/CRPS usually ranks very high on the pain index. Because of the intense pain with any activity, you may not recover your range of motion or strength. Some people experience bone loss, muscle atrophy and contraction of the limb. RSD has the potential to be very debilitating, even if symptoms come and go from day to day.

There is no cure, but you may engage in medical treatments to alleviate specific symptoms, or simply engage in practices to avoid or limit symptoms. Depending on the location of the injury, however, you may not be able to return to work in the same field or to work at all. Combine those lost wages with ongoing medical expenses, and you can soon end up in a terrible financial situation. The people responsible for your injuries should be responsible for your expenses and pain and suffering.

An attorney can help you recover if you have RSD

If you developed RSD as the result of a work injury or car accident, an attorney can help you. By holding the responsible party legally responsible with a civil suit, you can recover your losses. Your attorney can also help you file for workers’ compensation, even if you already closed or settled the case involving the initial fracture. If you believe you have RSD, an attorney can help you connect with medical specialists who can diagnose and treat the condition. A lawyer can also help you overcome the financial obstacles this condition presents.