I went to an orthopedic surgeon, to inquire about fixing my ankle. After discribing what I was feeling, he said I have some kind of RSD or PN in the ankle, foot and calf...no surgery. It was later confirmed by a physiatrist, a pain specialist who treats at a cellular level. I had no test to confirm it, as I already have medicare. I don't know if having a formal test would be worth it to me, just to confirm what two doctors suspect. I am not sure how other people discover it, or have it confirmed. I know that to get some insurances you have to do some tests. ginnie