Enduring the symptoms of RSD or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, more commonly referred to as CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) Type 1 can be extremely frustrating. But there is a silver lining: you can always put your RSD case in the hands of competent San Diego professionals.
With the help of a knowledgeable RSD lawyer from Workers Compensation Attorney Group, you can seek disability benefits that you are entitled to on account of being unable to work at all or as well as you could before. If the injury that led to RSD took place at your workplace, you can apply for workers compensation.
Here is what you should know about RSD and why taking action by engaging the services of one of our experienced legal professionals is a vital part of this challenging journey.
Can Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy be cured?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a chronic condition and as such, cannot be cured, but it is possible to recover from many of the symptoms. Physical therapy is the main form of RSD treatment, but surgery and medication may be incorporated in the treatment plan. Each patient is given an individualized plan that depends on the severity of their symptoms, age, and other relevant factors.
The duration and severity of the symptoms vary and depend on a number of factors. To make things more complicated, patients often experience symptoms from different stages of the condition at the same time.
How is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy diagnosed?
The main problem with RSD is that even the most experienced physicians may have difficulty making a definitive diagnosis. Even if your physician suspects it, it will typically take a significant amount of time for a patient to be diagnosed with RSD or type 1 CRPS due to its non-specific symptoms.
Is is only when patients are dealing with severe pain that does not go away that a doctor might suspect RSD, especially if no other condition seems to correspond with the patient’s symptoms. There is no single test to diagnose the condition, but the doctor may recommend imaging techniques (X-ray, MRI, bone scanning, thermal imaging) and nerve conduction tests instead.
What are the stages of RSD?
There are typically three stages of the condition of RSD. At each stage, pathological changes get worse:
- The acute stage (1-3 months)
- The dystrophic stage (3-6 months)
- The atrophic stage (may last months, years or become permanent)
Due to its complexity, RSD is a complicated condition to treat. As far as treatment goes, it is most effective if initiated during an earlier stage: the sooner, the better.
How painful is RSD?
The condition can be extremely painful and ranks high on the McGill Pain Index. In fact, according to one version of this famous pain scale, RSD or CRPS ranks as the most painful condition.
Is RSD a permanent disability?
It would be more accurate to say that RSD is not a disability per se. As far as whether it is permanent, it really depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s age. There is something called spontaneous remission, in which case symptoms go away on their own.
Still, for most patients, RSD is a chronic disease and its symptoms are unlikely to go away in time. What starts as minor discomfort can turn into debilitating pain, the main symptom of RSD. For this reason, RSD patients may be eligible for disability benefits.
A highly skilled RSD lawyer you can lean on
Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group of San Diego, we understand what you are going through, which is why we will fight for your rights as aggressively as we need to. Call us today so we can look into your RSD case and work out a quality strategy which will enable us to handle it professionally and diligently, maximizing the chances for a favorable outcome.
We are here to help you understand what you are dealing with and prepare for it. It all starts with a free consultation during which we will go over the whole upcoming process with you in detail. Our team is ready to explore every avenue available in an attempt to maximize your benefits. Rely on us, our experience and dedication.
We are your service throughout San Diego area, both in the city itself and in Chula Vista, ready to give you a helping hand, help you secure your benefits and compensation and restore your peace of mind.
