I just got my tens unit. I've used it for 2 days, twice today. My initial injury site is my heel, but after using the tens unit, the top of my foot is now inflamed. For those who have used a tens unit in the past, did it help or make it worse, are you still using it or quit using it because it caused flare ups?

As you know... each of us are different....

I once used a tens unit... for the first few days it was GREAT...

I don't know what happened but shortly there after... the Tens Unit made my pain increase!!!!


Abbie

Hi Bobber,
Doesn't sound like you are having a good outcome from the Tens Unit. The Dr. that diagnosed my RSD in left hand ordered a Tens Unit and started me in Physical therapy.
I like the unit, as it was a distraction, kept people from hitting my hand, maybe you need to call and get some direction from your Dr. Everyone reacts differently from various treatments. Hope you get relief soon.
Take care, loretta

Hey Bobber,

I used a TENS unit just before I was diagnosed with RSD and it didn't help me at all - I think it actually made me worse if anything as it semt to increase the muscle spasms in my toes. Before I used the TENS, I could feel the spasms but they weren't visible - it was only after I started using the TENS that the became much more apparent.

My PTs had me put the TENS unit onto the highest setting and I couldn't feel it. It was SO strange as I couldn't feel the electric currents go through my leg but yet I had extreme burning pain!!

As you know, everyone is different and what works for one person, might not work for another. Everyone is different when it comes to dealing with RSD unfortunately. I would definitiely speak to your doctor though seeing as though it looks as though the TENS is making your pain worse - the last thing you want to do is try something that is only aggrivating you!

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get some answers and pain relief real soon!

I have heard some people get relief but for me it has been ruled out cause the placement is actually on the areas and even a finger often starts things into a flare. Like others stated everyone is different.

i didnt use it 2 day,,,but my foot[on top] is burning and pink Ive not had it there b4,,,,,im going to give it a break,to see if it calms down, i was hoping it would help,,,but on one hand youve got stimultion, to help ,and on the other hand it can aggravate,,i needed the imput from you all,,,to gage how i should procede,,the dr,s dont really know unfortunatly,,,,,,,,,that why it also good to askpeople who have actually used it and have rsd or P,N ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thank you ,,bobber

it worked for a week or so and only barely touched the pain.. but the it was way down hill from there. i cant even stand the feel of it period any more..

but you know what works for you sure doesnt work for me LOL

carrie

Bobber,
I know you're not the kind....
But, keep that thing on LOW.
That's when it'll help.

Turn it on, so you can barely feel it.

It's a "Gateway" thing, No, not the computers.
It blocks a gateway path of pain to the brain.

Don't put it on High, and expect help. That Ain't how it works!

Put the pulse up to about 3/4, and the intensity to about a quarter.
Just so you barely feel it.

That's all.
Then, go the heck away.
Don't expect miracles, moron! (I can only say this to you, Bobber!)

You know me, though.
It's no miracle solution.
If it can keep you from taking a pill or two a day, it's done it's job!
That's it!

Keep in touch!

Your Bro',
Pete

thank you all for the input,the dr,s office tech told me to quote"you got to just wing it until you find what works,',we waited for 3 weeks and they never gave me one,,,,but we went and bought one,,they run about 50.00,,,,,thats not bad,,but they didnt know what to set it on,,,I'll try your setting pete,,hope it doesnt toast me,,ive got to see the pain med guy[needle in the back] 2moro,,,,i hate these flareups,,i really need to find a good dr and a good groove,,,thank you all,,,,,,,,bobber,,,,

When I first got my Tens, it was from a PT place that didn't know much about RSD. They told me use it 20 mins every few hours, as strong as I could stand. Pretty much how someone with a back injury would use it.

When I went to Clev. Clinic PT, where they are used to dealing with Stanton Hicks RSD patients... they had a different idea. They said to use it on low, where I could barely feel it, and work up to keeping it on all day long. The unit I have has 12 different pulse types. They said to use either the constant, or the low frequency pulses... but I seem to like the random low frequency pulse. When its a constant pattern - it bugs me.

It's important how you put the sticky pads on. They wanted me to put them in an X pattern - so the pads from one lead were opposite each other... if one is on the upper left, the other pad on the same lead should be on the lower right.

Mine is made by Empi. I called them, and they told me of a web page I could sign in to that gave me a lot of "maps" of body areas showing where to place the pads. When I went to PT, it was for my shoulder, but I have pain from the RSD in many areas, and these maps helped me figure out how to place the pads in those areas.

Unfortunately, the TENS doesn't do a whole lot of my worst RSD areas. But it does help some of the areas. I often use it on my upper shoulders when I am at work (I work at a computer) and it seems to help me keep from getting more painful there from my job. My insurance does not cover the pads, though, and I think they are terribly expensive. 3 packages of 4 are over $125 - and that's the reduced rate after being billed to the insurance. Even though the insurance doesn't cover them, Empi has to accept a reduced rate. Your only supposed to use them 15 or 20 times -- but I use them a lot longer than that. After you use them to long, they get to shocking you a bit when the rubber stuff wears to thin... then you have to replace them.

Good luck with it.