My ankle and foot are a "no touch" zone. Its like being electrocuted when touched.... I cringe just thinking about it!

Yes, it is still not pleasant to touch my initial site in any way, light or firm pressure. But the other side is okay with either. I just tried a very light touch and it was no problem. I am starting to suspect it is more TOS related, but the hot, sweaty hand just does not fit the TOS symptoms. It sure hurts just sitting at the computer but if I go sit on the couch or recliner and support my head, I can slow the pain way down. But the burning and heat continue. Weird.

My original injury was right foot and I don't like anything touching it. My left foot which also as many of the same symptoms (swelling, burning, turns colors, and toe nails turned yellow now back to clear) but I can touch. Another symptom I have is running cold water through out my body. I can only assume that all of this is related. Because my pcp doesn't know what else it could be.

The more elevated my pain level, the worse my effected limb responds to sensation--being touched, clothing and sheets, wind, vibrations, etc. There are times that I can manage medium pressure by others such as massage therapists. Very light touch and hard pressure can both cause not only temporary pain, but significant flares. I find that I am able to touch the area without as much pain, but it causes color changes.

My initial site is my left wrist/hand (caused by a botched wrist surgery 5 1/2 years ago). In that wrist/hand, I have all of the symptoms...some worse than others at times...including the deformity. I'm pretty stubborn and have a high pain tolerance, so I began working with it as much as possible because I was left handed before. I would often gently rub the area, trying to get used to the pain and build up a tolerance. I definitely think it hurts less if I touch it than if someone else touches it.

The areas where RSD has spread don't have all the same symptoms. They all have the burning pain to some degree. Abdomen mainly when rubbed, upper arms mainly when rubbed, legs almost like a slow pulsating burn where it's intense then slowly calms then grows intense again, and my face is starting to burn more and more both with and without touch. Discoloration varies as well. My legs are more splotchy and discolored if I have been sitting or standing, but when I prop them up in there recliner, the colors starts to become more normal. I was asked a couple days ago if I got sunburned because they said my face looked like it, but I hadn't even been out.

So I guess to answer your question, it could definitely be RSD beginning to spread. Hope you get some relief.

well it hurts no matter who it is, but I've noticed If I touch the area I can tolerate it better and if I know some one is going to touch it its not as bad as if I don't expect it.. I think its because Im prepared for the pain...

I'm able to touch my affected leg and always have. I think the desensitization helps with my symptoms. I never had PT for my CRPS II, but I do know that many programs incoporate this. Light touch is pretty unbearable, but constant heavier touch feels better. Does that make any sense? Not really I guess.