RSD and Atrophy
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RSD and Atrophy
byrd45 Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:55 pm
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From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 8/18/2005 8:08 AM
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From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> (Original Message) Sent: 4/4/2005 11:08 AM
Hi everyone,
This week I would like to discuss RSD and Atrophy.Atrophy is when muscle mass shrinks from disease or lack of use. As everyone here knows RSD is very painful, and because of pain, alot of us lead a very inactive life compared to before RSD entered our lives. Prolonged bed rest and lack of activity can cause the joints to become stiff, and the muscles, skin, and bones to atrophy. As we all know no two people with RSD are exactly alike, so this may or may not pertain to you and your experience with RSD. I have recently been told that the symptoms I am having along with my RSD in my right leg is the beginning stage of atrophy. My right foot tends to turn outward when I walk or sit. When I consciously walk keeping it straight it is extremely painful. Now I don't want anyone to panic if this is happening to you. Sometimes it comes with the RSD kind of a package deal. Karen J had sent me some exercises that she knew from her physical therapy and I have been using a version that fits my situation. Thanks Karen J it is helping some.Never start any exercise program or therapy without first speaking with your doctor who is treating your RSD. I am currently looking in my area to find a health club that has a pool. I was told from my doctor that just walking in a pool is great exercise for my leg. It has to have steps since I can't use a ladder because of the RSD in my arms. I did have water therapy for awhile and I feel any of us (with a doctors approval) should give this a try. It was very soothing to be in the warm warm and I felt good about the whole experience.
I try my best to walk everyday even if I can't go very far at least I am trying. I always feel emotionally better after a short walk even if the pain rises I never regret getting outside. Well I sure would like to hear your experiences or opinions about RSD and Atrophy.Feel free to add your response to this post and I hope you enjoy your day.
Robyn
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From: byrd45 Sent: 8/18/2005 8:09 AM
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From: GalenaFaolan Sent: 4/4/2005 11:45 AM
First, You're welcome Robyn! I also agree that pool therapy is a great idea. I had a bit of pool therapy in the beginning and it was so nice!! All the weight is taken off the body and it feels good to exercise without the stress!!
As for the atrophy, I had some atrophy in my left thigh. The Ortho I was seeing caught it. Once I began to really look at my legs and measure them I saw it too. I try to walk as much as I can. Even if it's just around the house a bit. I measure my legs top and bottom to see if they're the same size or one is smaller than the other. So far, so good!! Haven't had any more problems with atrophy in quite a while now.
I always hope that nothing else will happen, but I am realistic enough to know that it most likely will. LOL I'll deal with what comes when it gets here and try to prevent it in the meantime!
Love and Hugs,
Karen J
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From: <NOBR>lsr4t9</NOBR> Sent: 4/7/2005 8:10 PM
Robyn,
I have it in my left hand at a severe level. I try and work out in the shower when the water is hot. It gives me more flexiblity and less pain with the hot water. The atrophy is not fun but if we don't move our limbs it will not help the situation. Any movement will help. Have you tried Ultram as a help with the pain? I am on that and the tens unit and Duregesic patch.
Always, Linda lsr4t9
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From: <NOBR>glendapullum</NOBR> Sent: 4/7/2005 9:43 PM
I think I have kept the atrophy out of my hands/arms by using my parafin bath and doing the warm water therapy .My hands are really stiff in the mornings and it does hurt to move my fingers I just run them under some warm water.
hugs
glenda
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From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 4/10/2005 10:44 AM
Hi Linda and Glenda,
The warm water has really helped me as well it really does loosen it up. I haven't been on Ultram yet,but I am glad it is really helping you. Therese mentioned the Duregesic and has found it to really help too. I take Neurontin for the burning pain,paxil and elavil to block the pain pathways which really does help alot,and Zanaflex for muscular cramping and spasms. You are totally right about moving it even a little is better than not at all. Otherwise it will atrophy even faster from disuse. Has anyone had any help by using a heating pad? I guess you would have to be careful not to keep it on too long or to high though.
Love,
Robyn
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From: byrd45 (Original Message) Sent: 8/18/2005 8:08 AM
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Recommend Delete Message 1 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> (Original Message) Sent: 4/4/2005 11:08 AM
Hi everyone,
This week I would like to discuss RSD and Atrophy.Atrophy is when muscle mass shrinks from disease or lack of use. As everyone here knows RSD is very painful, and because of pain, alot of us lead a very inactive life compared to before RSD entered our lives. Prolonged bed rest and lack of activity can cause the joints to become stiff, and the muscles, skin, and bones to atrophy. As we all know no two people with RSD are exactly alike, so this may or may not pertain to you and your experience with RSD. I have recently been told that the symptoms I am having along with my RSD in my right leg is the beginning stage of atrophy. My right foot tends to turn outward when I walk or sit. When I consciously walk keeping it straight it is extremely painful. Now I don't want anyone to panic if this is happening to you. Sometimes it comes with the RSD kind of a package deal. Karen J had sent me some exercises that she knew from her physical therapy and I have been using a version that fits my situation. Thanks Karen J it is helping some.Never start any exercise program or therapy without first speaking with your doctor who is treating your RSD. I am currently looking in my area to find a health club that has a pool. I was told from my doctor that just walking in a pool is great exercise for my leg. It has to have steps since I can't use a ladder because of the RSD in my arms. I did have water therapy for awhile and I feel any of us (with a doctors approval) should give this a try. It was very soothing to be in the warm warm and I felt good about the whole experience.
I try my best to walk everyday even if I can't go very far at least I am trying. I always feel emotionally better after a short walk even if the pain rises I never regret getting outside. Well I sure would like to hear your experiences or opinions about RSD and Atrophy.Feel free to add your response to this post and I hope you enjoy your day.
Robyn
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From: byrd45 Sent: 8/18/2005 8:09 AM
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From: GalenaFaolan Sent: 4/4/2005 11:45 AM
First, You're welcome Robyn! I also agree that pool therapy is a great idea. I had a bit of pool therapy in the beginning and it was so nice!! All the weight is taken off the body and it feels good to exercise without the stress!!
As for the atrophy, I had some atrophy in my left thigh. The Ortho I was seeing caught it. Once I began to really look at my legs and measure them I saw it too. I try to walk as much as I can. Even if it's just around the house a bit. I measure my legs top and bottom to see if they're the same size or one is smaller than the other. So far, so good!! Haven't had any more problems with atrophy in quite a while now.
I always hope that nothing else will happen, but I am realistic enough to know that it most likely will. LOL I'll deal with what comes when it gets here and try to prevent it in the meantime!
Love and Hugs,
Karen J
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 3 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>lsr4t9</NOBR> Sent: 4/7/2005 8:10 PM
Robyn,
I have it in my left hand at a severe level. I try and work out in the shower when the water is hot. It gives me more flexiblity and less pain with the hot water. The atrophy is not fun but if we don't move our limbs it will not help the situation. Any movement will help. Have you tried Ultram as a help with the pain? I am on that and the tens unit and Duregesic patch.
Always, Linda lsr4t9
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 4 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>glendapullum</NOBR> Sent: 4/7/2005 9:43 PM
I think I have kept the atrophy out of my hands/arms by using my parafin bath and doing the warm water therapy .My hands are really stiff in the mornings and it does hurt to move my fingers I just run them under some warm water.
hugs
glenda
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 5 in Discussion
From: <NOBR>byrd45</NOBR> Sent: 4/10/2005 10:44 AM
Hi Linda and Glenda,
The warm water has really helped me as well it really does loosen it up. I haven't been on Ultram yet,but I am glad it is really helping you. Therese mentioned the Duregesic and has found it to really help too. I take Neurontin for the burning pain,paxil and elavil to block the pain pathways which really does help alot,and Zanaflex for muscular cramping and spasms. You are totally right about moving it even a little is better than not at all. Otherwise it will atrophy even faster from disuse. Has anyone had any help by using a heating pad? I guess you would have to be careful not to keep it on too long or to high though.
Love,
Robyn
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