Overview
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) (A.K.A. Sympathetic Dystrophy/Causalgia) and formally known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
CRPS is a debilitating and painful condition that occurs after an illness or injury to one limb. It starts in one area and then spreads to areas other than the initially affected area. It involves a chronic pain (lasting more than six months) that is disproportionately worse than the initial injury or illness and lasts longer than the typical healing time for the initial injury. Believed to be related to malfunctions of the peripheral and central nervous system, the condition is not curable but can show improvement and possibly remission.
Learn more in the video below.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
While there is no cure for CRPS, a combination of the treatments below can help manage related pain and issues.
- Acupuncture
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Biofeedback
- Bone-loss medications
- Heat therapy
- Mirror therapy
- Intravenous ketamine
- Intrathecal drug pumps
- Pain relievers (Over-the-counter)
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome usually occur in your arm, leg, hand, or foot and can include:
- Atrophy
- Burning sensation
- Changing hair and nail growth
- Changing skin color
- Changing skin texture
- Changing temperature
- Increased sensitivity (touch or cold)
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Persistent and excessive pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tremors
- Weakness
*Signs and symptoms may persist for months to years
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
While there is no single test to diagnose CRPS, a combination of the procedures below are used to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- Bone scan: This involves injecting a radioactive substance into a vein allowing the bones to be seen with a camera.Save
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The images might detect tissue changes.
- Medical history
- Physical exam
- Sympathetic nervous system tests: These are used to determine if there are disturbances in the sympathetic nervous system.
- X-rays: Help discover mineral loss in bones
- Tests to measure the amount of sweat on matching limbs, looking for different results that might indicate presence of CRPS
TYPES
Common forms include:
Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS 1) – This occurs after an illness or injury that does not leave obvious nerve damage in the affected limb. Nearly 90% of people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have this type.
Type 2 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS 2) –This occurs after an illness or injury that does leave obvious nerve damage in the affected limb. Only 10% of people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have this type.
CRPS – NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
Subgroups of CRPS include:
- Warm/Hot/Red CRPS
- Intermediate CRPS
- Cold/Blue CRPS
CAUSES
Common causes for CRPS can include:
- Fractures
- Limb immobilization (such as being in a cast)
- Minor medical procedures such as needle stick.
- Sprains
- Strains
- Soft tissue injury (burns, cuts, or bruises)
- Surgery
- *Sometimes, CPRS develops without any apparent injury.
FACTS
- It has been identified and described with over 200 different English names since the 16th century.
- It was a common issue during the American Civil War.
- It occurs more in women than men.
- There is no cure, but a pain-free recovery is possible.
- In severe cases, a disability can develop.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
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OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375