As a Holistic Healer, I have gotten really into Apocathery, essential oils, healing properties, etc. I have RSD in both feet all the way up to my lower back/hip area.Back in July of 2015 I started having invasive procedures every other month(which only made my RSD worse). I just had my second surgery(of 4-6) on both feet and ankles, and like you stated the recovery has been worse than the surgeries or procedures. So I started to play around.And I created a mixture for pain and inflammation, which are two of my biggest and consistent issues. And let me tell you that it does work. Coming from me thats a pretty big deal being that I haven't walked in 4 years, I cannot be touched from my lower back down and I'm in excruciating pain 24/7. My life is mostly lived in bed, I'm completely dependent upon a wheelchair as well as others. So if your up to try something new I'd be happy to share. I would seriously love to patent these two remedies if I ever got the opportunity, so if that day comes and it works for you as well as it does for me I'll definitely need your testimonial for the advertisement lol.

For Inflammation- Coconut Oil & Lavender Essential Oil
For Pain/Spasms/Shooting/Stabbing/Burning/Etc.- Coconut Oil & Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Directions:
-Mix both Coconut & Essential Oil together in a microwave safe container, liquify, apply to problem area, let air dry
-The mix will harden eventually which is normal, it doesn't need to be refrigerated, and can be applied as often as you want
-It will either work or not, no side effects(unless you are allergic to any of those ingredients)

Coconut Oil is usually sold at most grocery stores, I prefer and get more for my money when I buy it in a plastic container then a glass one. I keep the coconut oil in the refrigerator so it stays hard(easier to chip out a few pieces when creating the healing oils).

Good Luck, I really hope that this helps give you some much needed relief as it has for me.