The pain is very real, but not caused by a serious underlying disease. Treatment consists of a combination of exercise and pain medication. Children and adolescents with RSD have a history of constant pain and increasing disability in the distal part of an extremity that is exacerbated by even mild activity. The involved extremity may have diffuse swelling, tenderness, coolness, and mottling. Even slight touch may cause severe discomfort, and attempts to move the limb are extremely painful.
Treatment includes pain control to allow physical therapy of the affected limb.
A psychologist may be needed to assist the child in pain control or desensitization. The growing child is particularly susceptible to overuse injuries. When Your Student Has Arthritis, Decision Making for Teenagers with Arthritis . Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.