Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Sudeck’s disease of the hand is made via:.
- The examination by the specialist (swelling, pain, restricted movement, tissue changes, hair growth)
- X-ray of the hand (decalcification? )
- MRI of the hand
Therapy
Therapeutic measures primarily pursue the goal of improving the mobility of the joint and ideally restoring it completely. This can be achieved by using medication, physical measures (physiotherapy, electrotherapy) and nerve blocks. These procedures serve to relieve pain, since local anesthesia reduces or eliminates the perception of pain by affected nerves.
For Sudeck’s disease of the hand, both the blockage of the stellate ganglion (a nerve plexus in the cervical region) and the brachial plexus (at the transition between neck and shoulder) can be considered. Blocking of the brachial plexus is generally preferred, as this also increases blood flow, which also has a positive effect on pain.
