Lower Limb RSD: causalgia

[Guest guest]

Greetings

 

I am currently treating a 45 year old male patient. He has responded

somewhat to acupuncture and I would like to prescribe an appropriate

herbal formula for him. His problem began 3 years ago when a concrete

block crushed his little toe. He presented to my office with the

chief complaint of burning in the toe and swelling of the lower limb.

The burning had been constant and now is every few days for a short

duration. From the beginning I've had difficulty analysing this

symptom. The skin presents with a diffuse brownish red color along

the spleen channel; the area around the 5th toe is purple so I

surmised this to reflect blood stasis due to cold as the pain is

achey, worse when exposed to cold/better with application of heat and

not stabbing.

 

The right lower limb is very swollen from the dorsum of the foot to

the knee. There is pitting on the foot and ankle but not ablve the

ankle region. Also the dorsum of the foot is sensitive to palpation

while he experiences hypoesthesia throughout the rest of the limb.

There is a little bit of swelling on the left foot but not the limb.

 

The patient has also been diagnosed with sleep apnea and uses O2

while sleeping. He perspires very easily and is easily fatigued. The

man is overweight, large abdomen, recently poor appetite,

occaisionally loose stool and inhibited urination. Tongue: slighlty

purplish body and greasy white t/c. Pulse: Slow and submerged.

 

I am thinking of prescribing Shi Pi Yin with the addition of Huang

Qi, Wei ling Xian, Niu Xi and Dang Gui.

 

I respectlfully ask for you wisdom and guidance as my experience and

training are both limited.

 

Aris Skaliotis, M.Ac, Lic.Ac

" Serve others and simultaneously cultivate yourself.. "