Originally Posted by dogwalker

That's reflex sympathetic dystrophy (as in sympathetic nervous system) or the newer term, chronic regional pain syndrome. I developed it after thumb surgery. The orthopedist kept trying to deny anything was wrong, but I insisted on seeing an occupational therapist (hand therapist) and she identified it the instant she saw the skin and hair changes on my hand and arm. It took about 9 months of work with her but it finally went away.