Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, or RSD, is a medical condition that’s known to cause pain, swelling and skin discoloration among sufferers. If you have a child who has been diagnosed with this condition, there are certain measures that you can take as a parent to help your son or daughter manage symptoms better and live life to the fullest. Here are some of the best ways to help a child with RSD.
Coordinate with a Pediatric Specialist
A pediatric specialist is a doctor who treats many conditions that affect children. The specialist who you choose for your child can devise a personalized treatment plan that’s based on the severity of symptoms and how well your son or daughter responds to certain treatment methods. You’ll want to choose someone who can establish a good rapport with your child and show compassion while also being knowledgeable enough about this condition to implement the best treatment options possible.
Consider Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine treatment often works well in alleviating the physical pain caused by RSD. Ketamine has long been highly regarded for its anesthetic properties that work to numb pain and is one of the safer anesthetic treatments that’s currently available. There are chronic pain services that offer ketamine treatments to adults and children who want to experience relief from their symptoms. You should consult with your child’s doctor to prevent any interference with pre-existing conditions and set up follow-up appointments to monitor how your child’s system reacts to the treatment.
Track Symptoms
Simply keeping a record of your child’s symptoms can be an effective way to find the right solution. This record can be used for you to know what exactly makes your child’s pain better or worse. You can also gain a better understanding of the specific factors that can trigger symptoms so that you can try to help your child avoid them. The record that you keep should be shown to your doctor so that the information can be recorded in your son’s or daughter’s medical file.
Encourage Participation in Activities
Your child’s RSD shouldn’t stand in the way of living a productive and fulfilling life. By encouraging your son or daughter to partake in activities that many children enjoy, you can help your child maintain better physical and mental health. Even participating in sports can be good for children with RSD if symptoms aren’t too severe. While it is important to listen when your child expresses pain, it is important to encourage them to take time away from resting to have fun.
You can help your child manage his or her RSD symptoms better if you work together to find the right solution. Even though RSD has adverse effects, your child can learn ways to cope with the condition better.