Use of ice on non-RSD limbs
 

Ok, I have heard both ways on this, and I want to know what the consensus is. My PM doctor has told me I was able to use ice on my back after surgery (my RSD is in my legs) but I didn't for that because I was too scared, since I have also seen other people say that it is a no.

Now I've been having a lot of pain in my left wrist and thumb, not from an injury but rather from overuse- I suspect typing. My OS can't do an MRI to see exactly what the problem is since I have a spinal cord stimulator in. So since I can't do the MRI, he wants me in physical therapy for it. I'm wondering if it's safe to use ice at home and at therapy. I think it would help the inflammation and pain, but I don't want to do anything to initiate spread.

And yes, my therapist is familiar with RSD and has treated patients with it before, and she's been working with me for 2 1/2 years now for my legs so don't worry- I'm very safe in her hands.

If your physical therapist is familiar with CRPS then she knows not to treat you with ice. You are already at an increased risk of spread due to the SCS, please take care and avoid ice, particularly if you anticipate undergoing a SCS revision surgery.

Hope there are better days ahead for you!

If the cause of your new pain is from overuse or RSD, my question is why risk it? My thought process here is, I to was told that my other ankle and foot were hurting from overuse. (not my rsd foot) but now my toes turn bright red, burn, hot, cold and hurt. The nails are yellow/tan in both feet now, so I disagree with the fact of overuse, I believe my overuse turned into spread.
Dr.;s also say use heat after 3 days of an injury not ice anyway. So in my opinion it is not well adviced to use ice on anything.

Stay away from ice! Ice will cause your nerves and/or veins to contract which could cause spread or irritation...

Thanks, this is what I figured and has been my approach so far too- better to be safe than sorry. But I was wondering if maybe I was being unnecessarily cautious because I have had people tell me that it would be okay to use ice in other areas, and it would be beneficial if it was possible to use because of the swelling. It seems like this is an area of controversy in the medical community from what I've read- but I'd rather not risk anything so no ice for me then.

I've heard of people getting by with ice therapy, but I generally look at "risk and reward" and just don't want to take the chance, (Murphy is always lurking) so I avoid ice on ANY limb, even those not affected by CRPS.

Even though ice is so tempting when my foot feels like it's on fire!