RSD / CRPS

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic neurological syndrome characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch. RSD affects between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans. Because RSD can result from many types of injuries (often sprains or falls), and even minor injuries, RSD can result from work-related accidents.

RSD is a malfunction of part of the nervous system. Nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. RSD develops in response to an event the body regards as traumatic, such as an accident or medical procedure. RSD may follow up to 5% of all injuries.

Symptoms of RSD include pain that is more severe than expected for the type of injury that occurred, persistent moderate to severe pain, swelling, abnormal skin color changes, skin temperature abnormalities, sweating, limited range of motion, and movement disorders. Early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to recovery. Despite this, many doctors are unaware of RSD’s signs and symptoms. On average, people with RSD see an average of five physicians before being accurately diagnosed. Treatment for RSD may include medication, physical therapy, psychological support, sympathetic nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulators or morphine pumps.

Due to many misunderstandings about RSD, workers’ compensation insurance carriers will often deny injured workers’ claims for RSD following a work injury.  Klezmer Maudlin is proud to offer free telephone and email consultations. If you have RSD and believe your condition is the result of a work-related injury, please contact us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are known for their thorough investigation and dedication to their clients’ cases.

If you’ve been diagnosed with work-related injuries such as RSD or CRPS, you can rely on the accomplished Indiana workers’ compensation attorneys at Klezmer Maudlin.