Synonyms
- Sudeck`sche healing derailment
- Algodystrophy
- Causalgia
- Sudeck Syndrome
- Posttraumatic Dystrophy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I and II)
- Complex Regional Dysfunction System
- Sympathetic reflex dystrophy
- Sudeck ́sche Disease
Definition
Sudeck’s disease is a complex regional pain syndrome, which classically runs in three stages. In the final stage, atrophy (regression) of bones and soft tissues finally occurs; joints, skin, tendons and muscles shrink, resulting in loss of mobility. Sudeck’s disease always involves at least one joint, usually the hand or foot. The exact cause of this disease is still not conclusively clarified, but it is noticeable that it occurs more often after operations or injuries, in underlying diseases of the nerves, thyroid gland or heart, or when taking certain medications.
Symptoms
In the area of the upper extremity, Sudeck’s disease manifests itself most frequently on the hand. This is a particularly serious limitation for those affected, since it can lead to a disability there in up to 60% of cases as a result of massive functional impairment. In addition to severe burning pain and hypersensitivity of the corresponding skin regions (often not precisely localized), one of the main symptoms of Sudeck’s disease is the alteration of the tissue.
Affected areas are often unusually colored, swollen and/or overheated, and tend to overproduce sweat. The stiffening of the joint can lead to uncontrollable trembling and/or lack of mobility and even paralysis. Especially in the hand, this leads to an immense impairment of the quality of life, since the simplest everyday activities such as shaking hands, dressing or writing are either no longer possible or only possible with massive pain. As a result, patients are so severely restricted in both their private and professional lives that the disease often leads to recognition of a disability. In addition, the hands are also difficult to hide, which means that the disease is directly visible to everyone due to the skin changes, which is additionally unpleasant for many affected people.
