[Edematous and painful leg. Pathophysiology in the spotlight: presentation of a case].

We report on a 74-year-old woman visually impaired and under treatment with amlodipine, valsartan and thyroid hormone. The patient complained of her unique, edematous and painful leg after a local trauma. The worsening was slow and gradual, affecting walk and state of mind. Several unsuccessful diagnoses were done before suspecting and confirming a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Edema disappeared dramatically after amlodipine empirical discontinuation. Pain improved gradually with rehabilitation exercises but, mainly, after gaining skills and self-esteem due to cataract surgery of her unique functional eye. It was necessary to decrease thyroid hormone dosage after a long lasting balance. The sympathetic nervous system role of the case is discussed.