Do you think ice can cause RSD/ CRPS to SPREAD???

Hi Vanessa... I don't know if RSD can spread from ice, but I do know that before they knew I had RSD in 2000 they used ice on my knee and it felt like fire on my leg.. but that was just me I think most of everyone on this forum gets that same reaction but there are people that like ice and not heat soo.. RSD is odd.. Wish I could answer your question!!!

Dr. Hooshmand's book says that ice is an istigator, aggravator, and perputrator of RSD because of its' vasconstrictive effect.

Most everyone on here has talked about the ice issue. I never have used it on me, I use heat all of the time.

Ada

Hey all - I'm new here - Will post a little about myself when I find the right area to do that...

Hubby was first diagnosed with RSD in 1995 - At that time little was out there and available for research though I combed through anything and everything I could find.

They did try for a VERY short time ice therapy on my husband - It nearly sent him through the roof and didnt work at all.

One of the best treatments he received was hot tub / spa therapy - THAT worked wonders!! Not a miracle cure by no means but left him from a few hours to a few days with some relief.

I would say NO to ice therapy - This is also known as: cryotherapy - Not only because of personal experience but According to Dr Hooshmand ice can cause (permenant) nerve ending damage. (the nerves that are just below skin level) The thought of MORE damage is enough to keep us away from trying it again.

Have you heard of Dr Hooshmand? There are incredible articles, pictures of what ice can do to you, medication information, therapies etc on his site. He has researched RSD for years. Just in case you dont have it - or someone else needs it - I've added the link at the bottom of this post.

HubbyWithRSD

http://www.rsdrx.com/

My doctor says NO ICE at all . It makes it worse and can cause more pain.

First- welcome! This message board is extremely helpful! I'm sure you'll like it here... it is the best one I have found!

I have heard of Dr. Hooshmand. I have enjoyed reading his research, and he is one of the first of many people who I have heard say "no ice". I understand his reasoning "why" and I agree.

In different cases different things will help... I won't use ice because of what I have learned, and I'd rather be on the safe side with it. I know someone who used ice for treatment and he no longer has RSD! Go figure.

Yes!

Dr Hooshmand says it does...
See:
RSD PUZZLE #102
Ice Versus Heat
http://www.rsdrx.com/rsdpuz4.0/puz_102.htm

Before I ever heard about RSD I used word pic's to try to explain to doctors what I was feeling as my pain got worse & worse after corisone injections into my shoulder, etc.

I said it felt like 3 cats had all slid down my arm from shoulder to hand, scratching with all their claws as they went. And, along with the aching in my RT shoulder from the torn rotator cuff, and the feeling like I'd just banged by "funny bone" on my elbow, it also felt like a soldier wearing his boots had just kicked me in the arm pit, causing me to ache under my arm & into my chest.

When told about RSD I looked it up & one of the first things I read was that people with RSD describe their pain with such "vivid" word pictures! Wow!

Guess we can all say we've "been there".

DeniseG

Yes =-I too agree no ice. Having been a patient of Dr. Hooshmand's I know he is adamant against using it. He did use heat treatments. Also, used photon therapy.
I would highly recommend reading his puzzles. He was a brilliant researcher and so knowledgeable about RSD. I met so many people in his office from all over the world who returned for repeated treatments. So sad that he is now retired from his practice. He had such energy and passion for treating RSD. He would sit and listen to you for an hour and tell you to just keep talking so you don't forget to tell him everything.
I am glad we still have his puzzles and his books and research.

Best wishes
Sydney

Most RSD'ers can't tolerate ice! I hate it!!! It's like putting gasoline on your arms, strapping on a flame retardant suit and lighting yourself on fire from the inside. NOT pleasant. Cold water does that same, has anyone ever noticed there are public place that have no hot water!!! That is just cruel! LOL.