RSD and Invasive treatments

[Lowkey22]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) 7 years ago in my right foot following a severe injury. Since then I have come a long way and it no longer controls my life. I manage the pain with simple psychological control and am lucky that I do not have to use pain meds.

I have a question regarding risk factors with invasive procedures. In the months following my diagnosis I underwent two Lumbar sympathetic blocks and a year and half later I had corticosteroid and anesthetic injections into the small space between the bones that broke (for arthritis relief). Both of these procedures involved needles and had no long term effects for my RSD. However, I have a large section of scar tissue in my foot (about the size of an egg) that has become extremely hard and protrudes quite a bit. Pressure on this lump from shoes or anything else increases my nerve pain.

Has anyone else had this problem with scar tissue and been able to undergo surgery to have it removed? What are the possible complications?  

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

I must congratulate you for the courage you have shown in controling the pain.

There are people who have had similar scar tissue develop in feet or hands. You must consult your orthopaedic surgeon for removal of the tissue. It could be tricky as the tissue surrounds the nerves.

All the very best.

Regards

DrAbhijeetMD

[Lowkey22]

Thank you for your response Dr. Abhijeet. My concern with the removal of this scar tissue is a possible increase or spread in the RSD pain response; is this possible? I am at a point in my life where I am able to control the pain and walk without a limp, so I also do not want to jeopardize that. Is this something that has been done successfully in the past with RSD patients? The scar tissue was not much of a  problem previously, but has become harder and more protruded in recent years, so I have been considering risks and benefits at this point, because I am worried about the scar tissue becoming more of a problem as I get older.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

It would be difficult to assess from our standpoint whether removing the scar tissue would lead to unwanted sequelae and increase in the pain. The probability that removal would not have complications will depend on the extent of involvement of the scar tissue with adjacent normal tissues.

It would be advisable for you to consult your surgeon on this matter so a fully-informed decision can be made.

Hope this helps.