My RSD has always had a arthritis feel to it....deep aching since I can remember. Started in the hands but when it moved to the feet it was burning and then the ache started.
My PM doctor wanted to make sure we weren't chalking everything up to RSD so sent me to neurologist....he took 6 vials of blood, electrocuted my feet and did a bone scan. None of those tests showed up a thing....I did have to laugh when after all that the neurologists only suggestion was "to wear good shoes "
I had an appointment the next week with Ortho who also treats RSD patients, he did scan and cold stress test on both feet and hands and that's when I was told I was no longer a candidate for SCS and that my RSD was "Cold"
So really they just rule out everything else that it could be.....my gut told me it was spread but even though I wasn't really looking forward to having SCS, I hate having my choices taken away.
Hope this helps a bit....
Jeanne