COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS/RSD)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon type of pain. It mostly occurs in the leg or arm, usually after a traumatic injury or stroke. It manifests as a severe chronic pain that is constantly evolving and progressing. The causes of the pain is not always clear, but if diagnosed and treated early, the chances of improvement and pain relief are higher.

CAUSES

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) occurs after an injury which indirectly affected the nerve/s. Very rarely the cause can be a direct nerve injury. Most commonly it affects people that suffered a car crash, fracture, or severe accident to the leg or arm. Sometimes traumas like heart attack or stroke will initiate this kind of pain.
It is still not known why these types of injuries can cause CRPS.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms vary regarding to the patient and the intensity of the disease. Furthermore, the symptoms can change over time.
The most common symptoms are:

Continuous burning pain
Swelling
Loss of Motion
Abnormal Sweating
Extreme sensitivity to cold/hot
Temperature changes and color changes of affected extremity

Sometimes the symptoms include change of the skin color and texture, muscle weakness, spasms or atrophy and joint stiffness and damage.

TREATMENT

If the patient starts the treatment early there are better chances of pain relief and carrying on with regular daily activities.
Treatment options include: