Forearm and Wrist Pain with Skin Changes: Causes & Concerns

Question
A couple of years ago, I started having episodes of pain -- sort of like a throb -- in my left forearm and wrist. Then I I noticed that either my skin or the fat under or something seemed to decrease so that there is a definite depression on my left wrist/forearm. I've continued to have these episodes of pain (not brought on by anything I can determine), plus the "indentation" grew very slowly it extend a bit further up my forearm. Occasionally, I have what looks to be like a flat rash on skin. Up until a couple of months ago, this was only on the left wrist/forearm, but now, the right seems affected as well, although less pain. I am right handed, btw.

Finally, I'm not sure it's related, but recently, as well as the pain (which sometimes extends from my thumb to my chest) I've had lots of episodes of "pins and needles" in both forearms/hands, but particularly the left arm and sometimes, my thumb will get into a kind of contraction toward the palm and I'm not able to move it back into position until the pins/needles are gone. I am not sleeping on it or doing anything I know of that would interfere with nerves.

Any ideas on what either or both problems might be and whether they are even related?

I had one doctor just ignore my concerns --- I am in a new city with an appointment with a new primary care doctor in February but I'd like to know the problem.

BTW, I do have Raynaud's Phenomena but this doesn't happen with cold like Raynaud's does.

Answer
Sounds like RSD in which the damaged or nutrient deficient nerve dies back and lets the skin and hand relatively useless.
Yes, they can be relate as is the Raynauds.
For more information see
http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-03-120.html

We treat this with nutrients and avoiding omega-6 plant oil containing foods like poultry, farm-fed fish, chips, peanuts and peanut products, flax. We have our patients take a B-100 high potency B complex four times a day and 3000mg of fish oil omega-3 four times a day for starting the treatment but you need to see what your doctor can do first.