Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a syndrome in which there is continuous and unusual burning pain and tissue changes in a region of injury. The starting injury that brings on RSD may be a sprain, dislocation, fracture, crush injury, laceration or amputation. The syndrome can also occur from a surgical procedure and after a muscle shot. It has also been found to occur in persons with Multiple Sclerosis and diabetes and in persons following a stroke or heart attack.
Most people describe their pain as being constant, burning, aching and throbbing.
The pain doesn't always remain in the area where the injury may have first occurred but can sometimes move towards the center of the body. Tissue Changes . Early in the course the affected area is warm, red and dry. Later the skin becomes cool, bluish and moist. Soft tissue swelling progresses to tight, shiny swelling.