Kristie
Unfortunatly this is a lifelong problem. RSD can be caused by the smallest of injuries. What happens is the sympathetic nerve chain sustains an injury resulting in burning, temperature sensitivity, and sharp pain. I havd a relatively small injury to my foot and after 2 years of painful tests and failed treatments they finally diagnosed me. I saw some wonderful doctors at UCSD medical center. There they performed an epidural block with lidocaine. Instant relief that lasted 2 days. my foot even warmed up. I endured these for a 1 week trial. I never felt better. Then they decided to surgicaly remove the sympathetic nerve chain that was causing the problem. Upon going into surgery they told me that if there were problems during the surgery ex: They first clamp off the chain to see if they limb warms up for an extended period of time . if it does then they clip it off and remove it. if it does not them they were going to amputate 4 inches above my knee. Well thank GOD it warmed up. Very tricky surgery but well worth it. They only dowfall is that I have a 8 inch scar on my belly and my leg and foot are much warmer than the other. but Hey I have my leg. so dont fret . this is something that can be treated with the right doctors. feel free to email me with any other questions. Good Luck and Hang in there. Kristie