RSD AWARENESS DAY/EXPLANATION

Here's a good explanation of RSD I found on facebook. I thought I'd share it with other RSDers and anyone else who cares for someone with the dreaded fire monster!  Please participate in the Orange awareness day. sounds fun. now I just need to find orange nail polish. lol.

Awareness of RSD/CRPS

Saturday, August 27 at 8:00am at ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Ok Ladies and Gentlemen it is time to do something to raise awareness for the little-known disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). For one day (8 am till 8 pm) We are asking the Ladies to either paint/or get their nails done orange and for the gentlemen to wear an orange shirt. Please participate to raise awareness. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic progressive neurological condition that affects skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor, seemingly inconsequential injury, such as a sprain. And in some cases, no precipitating event can be identified. Pain may begin in one area or limb and then spread to other limbs. RSD/CRPS is characterized by various degrees of burning pain, excessive sweating, swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch. Symptoms of RSD/CRPS may recede for years and then reappear with a new injury. Types: Two types of RSD/CRPS have been defined: Type 1 - without nerve injury Type 2 (formerly called causalgia) - with nerve injury Both types express the same signs and symptoms. Incidence and Prevalence Millions of people in the United States may suffer from this chronic pain syndrome. RSD/CRPS affects both men and women, but is more common in women, and can occur at any age, but usually affects people between 40 and 60 years old. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes reports that 2% to 5% of peripheral nerve injury patients and 12% to 21% of patients with hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) develop reflex sympathetic dystrophy as a complication. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America (RSDSA) reports the condition appears after 1% to 2% of bone fractures. Causes and Risk Factors RSD/CRPS appears to involve the complex interaction of the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems; and the immune system. It is thought that central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) control over these various processes is somehow changed as a result of the injury. Conditions associated with the onset of RSD/CRPS include: Trauma (e.g., bone fracture, gunshot and shrapnel wounds) Spinal cord disorders Cerebral lesions Heart disease, heart attack Hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) Infection Radiation therapy Repetitive motion disorder (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) Surgery In 10% to 20% of cases, no direct cause can be found. Injury that precedes the onset of RSD/CRPS may or may not be significant. RSD Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of RSD/CRPS may progress in three stages acute, dystrophic, and atrophic although this notion is subject to debate. Acute: burning pain, swelling, increased sensitivity to touch, increased hair and nail growth in the affected region, joint pain, color and temperature changes; first 1-3 months Dystrophic: constant pain and swelling, limb feels cool and looks bluish, muscle stiffness and atrophy (wasting of the muscles), early osteoporosis (bone loss), 3-6 months Atrophic: cool and shiny skin, increased muscle stiffness and weakness, symptoms may spread to another limb Characteristic signs and symptoms of sympathetic nervous system involvement are : Burning pain Extreme sensitivity to touch Skin color changes (red or bluish) Skin temperature changes (heat or cold) Pain is usually disproportionate to the degree of injury and can be triggered by using the affected limb or by stress and can be spontaneous or constant. Symptoms associated with an immune reaction include: Joint pain Redness Swelling Accumulated immune cells in the site Frequent infections Signs of motor system dysfunction include Difficulty starting movement Increased muscle tone Muscle spasm Tremor Weakness Other symptoms include: Migraine headache Excessive sweating Fatigue Dermatitis, eczema 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 the syndrome. Atrophy may occur because of reduced function of the limb.