Hi All,

Thanks for always being here and listening. You have all been a great help to me just knowing someone out there understands.

Why do my toes curl under from the RSD on my RSD foot or sometimes stick up in the air and won't go down? Also what can I do to prevent this? I am not in any physical therapy right now at all. I am waiting to have a sympathetic nerve block done, which is taking forever to approve.



Thanks all,

Kate

Hi Kate,

Sorry you are having to deal with that also!

My big toe sticks up a lot also and my toes curl under my foot on my RSD leg. They have been like that since I sprained my ankle and first developed RSD above 2 years ago. It is really frustrating as I have no control over my toes and they just do what they want, when they want!

When I was diagnosed with RSD, my PM Doctor was surprised at how bad my leg was and said that I have a movement disorder called Dystonia which is thought to be a complication of RSD.

Have you tried any muscle relaxants to see if they help you? I have tried all sorts of muscle relaxants but none have really worked however I have heard people have good results from meds such as Baclofen. My nanan had Progressive MS and similar spasms to me and Baclofen helped her a lot.

I'm not sure what to suggest that might help you as nothing has really helped me. I am in Physical Therapy at the moment and my PT's are using a splint to try and help although it is for the foot rotation (Dystonia), not for the toes.

My PM Doctor has suggested Botox for me but after talking to other doctors, no one is willing to do it as I had a nasty side effect from the nerve block. My PT's are looking at booking me into hospital to do some intense PT with me.

If you can, I would try and get some PT as it can really help some people and the PT's can give you some good exercises that may help. It's really important that you keep moving as much as possible with RSD. My PT's are always trying to 'push' my toe down when it sticks up in the air but it doesn't really help that much.

Sorry that you are having to deal with this also! Please know that I am here for you and understand what you're going thru!

This article explains the effects of CRPS on bone and muscle. I think, hope, it may answer your questions.

CRPS Effects on Bone and Muscle

Hugs,

Karen

Hi Ali and Karen,

Thanks for answering my questions. Karen the article was helpful.

Kate

Hello Kate,

Karen's article is so excellant. You need to check with your doctor about PT while you are waiting on your block. If the pain is too bad ask about water therapy. I got a script from my PM doc and I took it to my area YMCA. They have a relationship with a local hospital and the PT person taught me exercises to keep my limbs and joints moving. It is sooooo true use it or loose it. I ended up joining the Y and I go 2 or 3 times a week. In addition to the exercise it forces me to get out of the house and I have made some great friends.
Take care,
Sherrie