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In order to remain as independent as possible and to minimize the disruption of daily life, individuals with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) need to consider changes and modifications to be made not only in their daily routine but in their surroundings as well. For example, for the person with lower extremity RSD, getting around can cause a significant challenge since normal activities (e.g., walking, climbing stairs, sitting for long periods of time with knees flexed, and getting in and out of cars) can be quite painful. Each patient and their family should assess their surroundings, perhaps with the help of professionals, and prioritize the modifications that will help the patient maintain their independence and function.

Some of the modifications in their surroundings that patients with RSD may wish to consider include:

Clothing

• Velcro or zippers instead of shoelaces
• Slip-on shoes
• Flat shoes instead of heels for patients with lower extremity RSD
• Velcro or zipper closures for shirts or sweaters

Bathroom

• Grab bars in the bathtub, shower, and next to the toilet
• Tub or shower bench
• Long-handle comb or brush so the patient does not have to raise their arm so high
• Elevated toilet seat

Kitchen

• Large knobs on appliances requiring manipulation (e.g., stove, dishwasher, washing machine)
• Easy grab handles for cabinets
• Light weight dishes and pots
• Lightweight flatware with long handles
• Sliding shelves or turntables on kitchen shelves so the patient does not have to reach into cabinets to access items at the back of a shelf
• Long handled cleaning appliances, (e.g., brooms, dustpans, sponges)
• Lightweight appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaner)
• Long-handled "grabbers" for removing items on high shelves or picking up items from the floor

Bedroom

• Blanket support frame so that blankets or sheets do not rest directly on the feet of a patient with allodynia
• Nightlights in the bedroom and any other rooms where the patient may walk if they awaken during the night

Automobile

• Modified controls to facilitate driving
• Car doors that are easy to open and close
• Seat positions that are easy to manipulate
• Handicapped parking stickers

Miscellaneous

• Voice activated lights, appliances, or computer
• Electric wheelchair to avoid upper body strain or injury
• Wheelchair-access modifications at home
• Nursing or home health care
• A note from your doctor recommending special accommodations, such as an aisle seat in airplanes
• Use of wheelchairs in airports, train stations, or malls
• Medical support professionals and/or accountants to budget for medications, special appliances, home-nursing care, and other medical related supplies and expenses