I have a question. I think I have RSD, rather than PN. What is guarding? Is it where you want to protect the area feeling pain? I have this in my left foot and ankle. don't want to wear shoes or socks, shave my leg or touch it. I have not had diagnosis. doc said I can't have surgery to correct my ankle because I have something going on in this area. surgery was discouraged. am I suppose to keep moving this foot, using it, shaving and all the rest even when it hurts? Sometimes I just want to sit still. Walking hurts. What will doc want to do for diagnosis? Also have ganglion cyst on ankle, Had two others removed that triggered all this. Structure of ankle is bad, torn tendons, achilles, colapsed ankle basically I cannot get repaired. I am miserable with this. ginnie