SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of algodystrophy include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in your arm, leg, hand or foot
- Sensitivity to touch or cold
- Swelling of the painful area
- Changes in skin temperature — alternating between sweaty and cold
- Changes in skin color, ranging from white and mottled to red or blue
- Changes in skin texture, which may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area
- Changes in hair and nail growth
- Joint stiffness, swelling and damage
- Muscle spasms, tremors, weakness and loss (atrophy)
- Decreased ability to move the affected body part
Symptoms may get modified after some time and differ from individual to individual. Pain, swelling, redness, changes in temperature and tenderness may happen first.
After some time, the affected hand or foot can get cold and pale. It might experience skin and nail changes along with muscle fits and stiffness. When these happen, the condition is usually irreversible.
Algodystrophy may spread from its source to somewhere else in your body, for example, the opposite side of the body.
In certain individuals, signs and symptoms of this disorder may disappear. In others, signs and symptoms may continue for a considerable length of time to years. Treatment is best when begun in the early stages.