RSD (or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) is used to describe a form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). These chronic conditions are characterised by severe burning pain, often affecting one of the extremities (arms, legs, hands or feet). There can also be pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch (also known as allodynia). RSD affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels and bones simultaneously.
The main symptom of RSD or CRPS is chronic, intense pain that is often out of proportion to the severity of the injury (if an injury occurred) and gets worse over time, not better. It can also cause a burning pain, increased skin sensitivity, changes in skin temperature (warmer or cooler compared to other extremities), changes in skin colour (including blotchy patches), changes in skin textures, changes in nail and hair growth, swelling and stiffness in affected joints, and motor disability.
Find out more about RSD here.
There is currently no cure but research is continuing and there have been advances in new and effective treatments which can cause a remission of symptoms. To help make people’s daily lives more comfortable when suffering with RSD, we have worked with customers and carers to develop a range of comfortable adaptive clothing for wheelchair users including wheelchair trousers, wheelchair shorts, fleeces, waterproofs and a range of accessories.