Why does CRPS react so bad to stretching?
 

Hey,

Im not sure if stetching is a problem just for me but when my crps started at a slow progressive rate 7 months ago with symptoms on and off, stretching my calf (behind my knee) or even straightening my knee would bring on the symptoms full on at night. The first 2 months I had no pain whatsoever keeping my knee bent at 90 degrees sitting down. Just pain when straightening the knee.

After doing a knee athroscopy towards the end of the second month with RSD (was not diagnosed yet), I had to keep the knee straight for around 6 days. This blew all the symptoms out of proportion. The pain then kicked in constantly however i found alot of relief keeping my knee bent at the time.

Now I still get some relief from keeping my knee bent sitting down but this is really bad for me physically so I have slowly started to lie down and keep the knee straight. The first week of doing so my pain increased but now I have started to tolerate it and dosent react so bad just from lying down.

The problem is that if i had to do some stretching, in particular to my calf and behind my knee, I get a very vicious reaction at night (my feet go red and hot and the burning is crazy).

Its strange because when I take it easy during the day and avois stretching my knee then I do not get the symptoms so strong at night. (my toes go slightly red and hot).

Anyone experience this reaction from stretching?

I don't stretch it just causes so much pain and the delayed pain is worse then the time. I think for me my rsd area is so sensitive and also from not moving it certain ways and lack of range of motion that causes extreme pain. I think any type of new movements should be done slowly so the body can adjust. Have you tried going into the pool and doing movements in there?
My pain doctor once said that range of motion and strength training is so key in recovery from rsd. The problem is that it is like a dog trying to catch it's tail. When you do these movements the pain gets so high. That is where treatments or meds come into play so it can enable you to be able to do proper movements. Hope you feel better

Stretching, I've found is generally "Generally' the best thing I've found for rsd.
Once you've had a knee surgery all bets are off.
I talk to my neuro about it last visit, as I get cramps in my calves when I sleep.

Stretching the toes UP, (Toward your face) is the best way for that.

Be sure you're stretching correctly!

Try a 'Tai Chi' dvd, or book...

After stretching,, and only after stretching is the time to exercise.

Hope you're well!

Pete

I don't know...call me crazy but has anyone looked at your lower back to rule out disc hernia causing radicular symptoms?

I've gotten the best results from stretching and horrendous results from strength training. I don't think anyone can or should make universal rules about what is best for ALL rsd'ers......there doesn't seem to be a one size fits all solution for us :)

Aquatic therapy for RSD
 

I'm sorry that stretching is causing you so much pain. I used to stretch nightly and I it began to feel like it was causing a flare up in my RSD. I than began doing all my "stretching" type activity in the pool. I've recently had a SCS implant and am not cleared for water activity yet. Since this last surgery my pain seems to have gotten much worse. I'm really hoping getting back in the pool will help. Also, just a tip, you can ask your physician to write you a Rx for a year of aquatic therapy. Then submit it to a PT clinics/or aquatic centers for a year pass. Sometimes they require you to pay ahead and then submit for repayment, but either way it's nice to have your insurance work for you.
I hope you are able to find some relief soon.
Eli

You say that after your last surgery your pain has worsen is this from your SCS implant or was the last surgery for something else.

I have no choice but to stretch. I've always tightened up like a drum if I don't stretch. But if I overdo it then I'll get something that feels like all over pallor that night or the next day. It can be pretty bad and lead to a lot of pain.

I stretch my affected hand a lot and exercise it as much as I can tolerate.

It seems not only that we're each different but to a very real extent what's true for any of us on one day won't be the next.

SCS Surgery
 

The pain seems to be worsned from the SCS implant. I've been having a "unheard of" reaction as the reps keep saying. Although I've found others online with similar stories that have RSD. If I turn the SCS on now it flares up my RSD, so I am leaving it off. I will see my doc and rep again on Thursday so hopefully they will have more answers.
Best of Luck,
Eli

Eli

Good luck on your next Dr. visit hope you will get the answers you are looking for and need. Please keep us informed.

Hurting