CRPS

What is CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) describes a type of chronic pain and inflammation that develops after an arm or leg injury. You can also develop CRPS following surgery, a stroke, or a heart attack.

The underlying cause of CRPS isn’t well understood, but damage or abnormalities in your central and peripheral nervous systems might contribute to your pain. There are two classes of this condition: CRPS-I occurs without a diagnosed nerve injury, and CRPS-II develops when there is a confirmed nerve injury.

Without a proper diagnosis and treatment, CRPS can become disabling. Your muscle can tighten and contract your toes or fingers into a fixed position. You might also experience tissue atrophy, which makes your bones and muscles weak.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

The symptoms of CRPS can vary from person to person. Your symptoms can also change over time as the condition progresses.

Common symptoms of CRPS include:

• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle spasms and tremors
• Burning or throbbing pain
• Increased sensitivity to cold or touch
• Changes in skin temperature and color

You might also notice visible changes in your skin texture and the growth of your hair and nails on your legs or arms. In some people, CRPS symptoms can spread to the opposite limb.

Because early treatment of CRPS offers the best results, it’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Advanced Pain Management as soon as your symptoms start.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

While there’s no specific test to confirm CRPS, the Advanced Pain Management team evaluates your medical history, your history of limb injuries, and your symptoms to determine if you might have the condition.

You might also need diagnostic imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, X-rays, or a bone scan to identify changes in your tissues and bone in the affected limb.

Once they confirm your diagnosis, the pain management specialists customize a treatment plan that focuses on preventing a worsening of your CRPS.

How is CRPS treated?

Advanced Pain Management offers several effective pain therapies to relieve symptoms of CRPS.

Typically, over-the-counter or prescription medications are the first line of treatment for CRPS pain. However, if your condition is advanced or not manageable with oral medications, the team might suggest minimally invasive treatments like:

• Lumbar sympathetic block
• Stellate ganglion block
• Biofeedback
• Neurostimulation therapy
• Intrathecal pump implant

If your life is on hold because of CRPS, call the Advanced Pain Management office nearest you or book an appointment online today to learn more about your options for treatment.