I've been reading up some more on RSD. I never ice my ankle at home (I did way back in the beginning when they were just having me treated for a sprain but then I noticed the pain was only worse so I stopped) but at physical therapy they always do electronic stimulation (stim) and ice at the end of each session. I have noticed that the stim seems to help more than anything else that I have had for the pain, but the ice always bothers me. Lately I have been feeling the pain almost immediately after the stim is over with (by the time I get to my car in the parking lot). Is this because of the ice? Should I tell them not to do the ice? I will ask the question when I go in today but I was wondering what everyone here thought.

No ice with RSD. Never, ever.

Your PT should really know better. Tell them to check out RSDSA.org. There's a section for PT's. Or better yet, search for a new PT that knows what the heck they are doing....

Goo luck, Sandy

Hi Catra, I agree, NO ICE EVER_ Also when I was diagnosed with RSD, after the confirmation studies, the ortho doc order physical therapy and a Tens Unit. Insurance Paid for it. It really helped me. Also I did massage therapy weekly, which helped a lot and I did home therapy. I took several plastic bowls and put different textures into the bowls. cotton balls, fabric pieces, sugar, coffee grounds, rice, beans That helps desensitize you to be able to withstand touch. It's important. Also swimming pool was a huge force in keeping me mobile. Water needs to be 86 degrees. I have had this 15 years and fully mobile except my left hand -had wrong diagnosis and delayed treatment. It was frozen flat and I hot about half of use of fingers back.
Welcome to Neurotalk, You'll find so many kind, compassionate frineds here. Your friend, loretta with soft hugs

Hello Catra.
Having had RSD since '83, I won't go to any extreme.
Including Ice.
I also suffer from migraine / cluster headaches.
Sometimes,
Cool is cool.... if you understand. It's Up to you!
Ice, I say No.
But, cool, sometimes you may like. (And, this is an individual preference).

I've had my feet swell. And, for swelling, Heat does NO Good! Right? Of course, we all know that!
So, I take these Hydrocollator packs (from a Chiropractor, or medical store), and I keep them in the freezer. I would NEVER put them directly on my skin. But, and however, if, and depending, I'd wrap them in a towel, and put them over the instep of my feets.

And, still, towel wrapped, on my forehead, or anywhere it feels good on my head, even neck, when I'm down with a migraine!

I don't like the ice packs directly on my skin.
But, don't let anyone tell you a "law", you cannot do this, or that.

For Migraines, the cooling effect is just what the Doc ordered, because of the constriction/dilation of the blood vessels. The "Cool" is wonderful~!
Same on my feets.

So, you may like it on your knees.

For me, the key is,
"Cool, Not Cold".

There is no law, no absolute in my eyes, or my world of pain.
It's whatever works!

Also, the Electronic Stim, or, "TENS" unit, works wonderfully as an adjunct, with heat, or cool.
I say cool, NOT cold!
Cool helps reduce swelling. Heat? Works the opposite. So, take it from there, and use your feelings and intelligence.
You'll find a way to make it feel better!

pete
asb

Thanks for the responses!

I had PT tonight and I asked the therapist if we could try the stim without the ice. She said sure and I felt like it was a lot better. I never liked the ice but I sort of jsut figured it was one of those things that was the "right" thing to do since they never asked me about not having it. I have such a hard time asking questions and standing up for myself with people who are in charge of my care. I am just a really shy person when I am anywhere outside of the workplace (where I am a manager and obviously have to be more outgoing)...like I want to crawl inside a shell and hide from people. But I will have to find my voice, won't I? Anyway, no ice today and I felt like the effects of the stim lasted a lot longer and I didn't have to deal with the pain from the ice.

Thanks again!

I am glad you spoke up. For me I have learned after many times being pressured in to something by a doc etc is to not give in when I know it is not right. It is hard cause we all want to get the best treatment but they are not in our bodies. I don't even allow a doc to touch my rsd area anymore. They push sometimes but I still say no and they still treat me.

Hey pete,,,have you tried or asked the doctor for Migranol? I too like yourself suffer from chronic cluster migranes. I aquire my medical attention for this dibilitating occurance from a Neurological institute in my home town. According to the physicians that treat me tell me that it is rare for a patient to have cluster migranes and so they chart me carefully. After trying several different pain relievers by prescription, I was finally given migranol. It is a nasal spray with the dose being one spray for each nostril and it is empty. Most insurances cover this prescription. It is a saver of my sanity. I still have to relax in a darken and quiet room for about 1 hour. It might be worth your time to ask about it. Thanks for your post. Hope you feel better soon...mellowguy