I recently rec'd a copy of testimony from a doctor saying that a person had moderate RSD because she didn't wear a brace. My thought process is I can hardly wear socks, hate shoes so why in the heck would I want a brace.
I want to know how many of you wear a brace?

That doesn't sound right because I thought things used to immobilize the limb were BAD for RSD. I used to wear a flexible fabric one if I knew I would be in situations where I would be walking a lot or in situations where I could easily turn my ankle or anything (like walking on uneven ground). I would also put it on very loosely if I was wearing a Lidoderm patch on the ankle with no sock to keep the patch from falling off (haven't done this since I got the TENS unit though because it is much better than the Lidoderm patch on my ankle when mobile). But that statement sounds like it is from someone not familiar with the condition. If you immobilize the limb excessively you aggravate the condition. So aside from the pain not allowing you to wear one, it shouldn't be recommended anyway. It often is in the beginning when they don't know it's RSD and think it's a sprain or something...but once RSD is diagnosed it shouldn't be.

Of course everyone is different...but I don't see how that could be used to determine if it is a "mild" case or not.

I agree, but he states that most patients with RSD don't want anyone to touch so they where a brace to protect the injured limb. Ican't imagine.

Then I guess I'm an exception for wearing a wrist brace. It hurts putting it on but I like having some cushioning in case my wrist gets bumped. It also tends to make people more aware to keep away. The immobilization doesn't concern me because my wrist is fused.
Is that the kind of brace you're talking about?

I assume it is one of those cases where each individual has to decide what is the lesser of 2 evils. It hurts to wear socks...but I wear them because I want to protect my ankle from cold air and breezes. The heating pad I wear is heavy and hurts...but the relief from the heat offsets that so I will wear it until it hurts more than it helps. Same thing would go with braces I guess...if you feel the benefit of the protection offsets the pain, then it is the lesser of two evils.

But regardless of those personal choices...it is not recommended for RSD patients to wear braces so why would a doctor use that as his criteria for deciding how "mild" a case it? Seems silly because you could argue that your case is more serious because you can't even handle the touch of the brace to get the benefits of the protection it might provide. Just seems odd coming from a doctor...

Jimbo, is this a soft brace? Everything at some point in the day feels like I have a cement brick on my foot from my slipper or sock and both have to come off. I also had to take my bracelet off, because my left wrist is was hurting and it felt like a weight was on it. I do see your point that it makes others aware and it protects your wrist. But I could not personally stand the weight.

Catra, I think that some dr.'s still think like everyday people in that, well they aren't that bad, they don't have any type of cast or mobility device, etc?????? Just like the fact, I had a driver take me to the door of the dr.'s office. I had to go 15ft. waddling and scooting. I told the dr. I had a rollabout for distance further, but I can go short distance without. But because it was not in front of him, he feels I don't use a mobility device. I really have to wonder, how they got their liscence. Didn't they have to listen to their teachers. How come now they don't listen to the patients?

Was it a work comp doctor? I was so annoyed when I read the report from one I saw. It was shady enough that this guy I had never met before was walking around the waiting room while I was waiting for the appointment. Then he almost ran into me and my mom in the hallway on the way to the room (I was in a transport chair...thought he was sort of weird and creeped me out a little). Then he ended up being the doctor and while I thought it was weird I assumed it was a coincidence. Whatever, the visit seemed like it went fine. He told me there was something seriously wrong with me and that I probably should be in the hospital.

But then I get the report and there's nothing in there about any of that, but everything that he did observe like me trying to get off the exam table and needing help, me trying to walk and falling, was all stated in a way that made it sound like he thought I was faking and every symptom I said I had he would say, "She CLAIMS" whatever it was. Annoying...but since he really couldn't say that anything I said was wrong or that he observed me doing things I said I couldn't he had to resort to using loaded language to make it sound a certain way. But THEN...I read that he watched me go out to the car and that because my mom was standing behind the wheelchair that he could not observe me getting in the car to see how I got in, but that he could say I was not lifted into the car by my mother. What the heck is THAT? My method of getting into the car out of the chair at that time was falling out of the chair into the car and pulling myself into position...but he makes it sound like I COULD have done something that I said I couldn't like stand or walk...but he didn't SEE me do anything that I said couldn't (because I didn't because I couldn't). Slimy, sneaky, no good...well...you get the idea.

So if this guy was paid by work comp then I guess it makes sense that he would impy something like that because he actually has no evidence to support his statement that the case is mild so he makes something up. I bet if you WERE wearing a brace he would have said the opposite, saying that because you could stand the touch of a brace then you were exaggerating how sensitive to the touch you were and therefore have a "mild" case. You can't win with people like that.

Leg presses were part of my physical therapy exercises and because I did them as part of physical therapy they said I was exaggerating how much pain I was in when having to push carts of merchandise at work. Whatever...these people just suck and there is nothing we can do about it except fight their nonsense with real evidence and actual facts (and this doesn't always mean you will win in court just because you are right).

Anyway...sorry for my venting on the subject. Stuff like this always gets me riled up because it is frustrating and I hate it when stuff like this happens to good people who are suffering. I know it's not all work comp doctors...but my experience with them has been mixed and just a couple of bad ones are enough to show you that they are out there and hurting people.

Alt,
Yes is a soft brace fastened with velcro. The same brace they put on my right wrist when I broke it. I think it makes people more aware to not bump into me. Also hides the scare and gives me some cushion if I bump into something...

Hi Alt1268,
I always leave these type of doctors with a little prayer...I say "Lord let him (or her) have the pain I have for about 24 hours to see then what they think abount my pain." It makes me feel better anyway. They are clueless and always remember they are paid to say the things they say by the company they are representing (esp work comp docs). The more they can ax us from using their company's money the more the company can keep and the more they will get paid. Unfortunately, we are the ones suffering. I was in a wheelchair once and one wc doc said "Come on into my office now" and just looked at me. I was in a wheelchair and just sat there and said "I need help." He made his secretary help wheel me and she about hit every wall in sight. He saw me for 30 mins and thought he knew everything about me. Amazing. I even had another wc doc tell me that he had the same type of injury and he was fine (as if to say I was lying about it all). Also, unfortunately these type of docs see so many people abusing the system that they automatically think everyone is and we are the ones that suffer because we really are hurt badly. These docs are a waste of time and energy for me and I try to stay out of their offices as much as possible because I don't have the time and energy to be insulted by their stupidity of rsd.

I had no use of my right foot leg for over a year and was given a plastic boot to wear. I thought it helped me enable my foot to be on the floor at times. But turns out my chiropractor said it was the worst thing for me as it torqued my leg the wrong way. She said she would have rathered me not to wear any brace and see her earlier instead. I wore that brace for 8 months or so and she had me out of it in a month!

I would say to all to fight for the truth and for what you believe in.
Take care,
kathy d