Localization of Sudeck’s disease | Sudeck’s disease

Localization of Sudeck’s disease

Among other things, a forearm fracture (distal radius fracture) in the hand can lead to the development of Sudeck’s disease. This is also the most common cause and occurs in about 7 to 37% of cases with this type of fracture. Other fractures in the arm region can also lead to Sudeck’s disease in 1 to 2% of cases, and nerve injuries are also considered possible triggers.

Affected patients usually complain in the early phase of the disease of severe pain in the hand, redness, swelling, overheating and pain when moving the joint with an associated functional impairment. This first phase lasts about one month. The most specific symptom of Sudeck’s disease is the long lasting pain.

This can be of varying character. It is often a stabbing pain. However, there may also be an unpleasant tingling or even a permanent burning sensation in the affected hand.

The pain already occurs at rest, but can be intensified by slight movements or pressure. In addition to the pain symptoms, other symptoms usually also occur. For example, increased fluid accumulation in the tissue often causes swelling of the affected hand.

In addition, reddening and an increase in temperature compared to the opposite side can also occur in the course of the disease. This can indicate a circulatory disorder in the arm, which can then also be recognized by the external appearance of the affected region. Thus, the hand often appears paler than the other and due to the additional swelling it often has a wax-like appearance.

In the chronic course it is possible that the affected hand feels increasingly cold and even takes on a bluish skin tone. This is caused by a chonic reduced blood circulation in this area. Further symptoms can be increased sweating or trembling.

Affected persons often also observe an initially accelerated growth of hair and nails on the diseased extremity, which, however, turns into the opposite in the further course of the disease. The most stressful problem associated with this disease for patients is the increasing restriction of movement.Since Sudeck’s disease is a dysregulation of the nerves, not only the skin and blood circulation are affected, but also bones and muscles. If these are not properly controlled and cared for over a longer period of time, they may also regress.

The result is usually a stiffening of the joints, which limits the range of movement of the entire hand and in the worst case ends in the complete stiffening of the affected extremity. Although an affection of the upper extremity in Sudeck’s disease is somewhat more frequent, it is also possible that other joints such as the ankles are affected. Here, too, the focus is initially on permanent pain in conjunction with increased sensitivity to pain.

This can last for several months. In addition, there are other symptoms such as swelling, which can be explained by increased fluid accumulation in the tissue. Strong reddening and an increased temperature in the side comparison are also observed in the context of the swelling.

Since the skin is stretched by the swelling, it is possible that it has a waxy appearance. In addition, the circulatory disorder in the legs can cause a change in the color of the skin and the skin temperature above the affected area. In the chronic phase, the affected foot usually turns bluish and there is an increased sensation of cold in the affected part of the body.

Increased sweating or even trembling can also occur. On the foot, accelerated growth of the toenails may also be observed in the initial phase. In the further course of the disease, however, this changes into the opposite and usually results in functional limitations and loss of mobility of the affected joint.

Both the muscles and the bones can be affected, which may lead to stiffening of the affected joints. This is particularly important for the ankle joints, as they are crucial for everyday movement. If the foot stiffens, this can be accompanied by walking difficulties and may make a walking aid necessary.

Sudeck’s disease usually affects hands and feet. In some cases, the knee joint may also be involved. Here, too, the pain is initially the main symptom, but swelling with red and overheated skin above the knee joint may also occur.

Increased sweating and accelerated hair growth is also conceivable. In the further course, however, there is usually a rather pale to bluish skin discoloration and a slight reduction in temperature compared to the opposite side. In the chronic stage there is often a functional impairment with stiffening of the knee joint. This can in turn lead to walking difficulties.