Hi Everyone.

I was hoping someone could spare some advice in dealing with my recently diagnosed RSDS. I'm writing this because after doing a bit of reading I'm (no doubt) experiencing some panic and depression over the realization that RSDS is likely what I have. Here are the quick facts about my situation...

I (male early 30's) was just diagnosed by my Reumatologist with RSDS in my foot exactly 2 months after puncturing it.

Here are my chief complaints/symptoms:
* Swelling/edema of foot (top, arch, and ankle) has been present since first evening of injury. Elevation kept this under control...but sitting with my foot down for 20mins or so, it would swell up quite a bit and turn variations in red/purple.
* Skin sensitivity, mostly top of foot (especially just below toes).
* Pain comes and goes, mostly top of foot, arch of foot, ball of big toe, and sometimes near bottom/outer-center of foot where puncture occurred.
*Somewhat more limited mobility of inner toes.

My Reumatologist has started me on prednisone which I'm to take at gradually reduced dosages over a one month period. Within a day or so this had substantially reduced the swelling and reduced some of the coloring. However, moderate pain still comes and goes in the areas I have mentioned.
All the doctor has really told me so far is that he is "optimistic" of my situation and said he preferred not to discuss the potential negatives of this condition until it may became necessary. I've been on the steroids for 8 days so far but I'm beginning to wonder if they are enough.

So now some of my questions...
* I've read that early, multi-discipline treatment is best. Prednisone is all I'm taking. Is this enough? Do I just need to be patient?
* Dr. has not mentioned physical therapy. Should I be requesting this?
* Any other meds I should ask my doctor about?
* I'm trying to get out and walk on my foot as normally as possible. But too much walking initially appears to aggravate the pain in my foot (even on the steroids). Any exercise tips?
* Please, post any other advice you think may apply to my situation that may potentially affect the positive long-term outcome of this?

Thanks again for all your very informative and supportive posts on this board.
-Gravyboat