Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a severe and debilitating condition that occurs when the nerves in the leg "go haywire. " A small traumatic injury such as a slip and fall or any other type of foot, ankle, or leg surgery can ignite this complication. Early and aggressive treatment usually results in complete remission of the symptoms. However, if the diagnosis is not promptly made, or if it is not treated in a timely manner, then the reflex sympathetic dystrophy can become severe and debilitating to such a degree that stage III disease can evolve into permanent disability.