This disabling disease affects the legs or arms resulting in pain. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can occur after a nerve injury, trauma, surgery, or immobilization. The key to treating this disabling pain syndrome is early diagnosis and treatment. As pain specialists, this disease is not uncommon to us. Early detection and aggressive treatment through a combination of medication, physical therapy, and interventional techniques can stop complex regional pain syndrome in its tracks.
CRPS is due to an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system which causes the symptoms below.
Complex regional pain syndrome may persist even after treatment in the acute phase. This is called chronic complex regional pain syndrome and there are different treatment plans from which patient can attain freedom from their pain.
Some common symptoms of ACUTE CRPS:
1. Swelling
2. Pain
3. Skin sensitivity
4. Redness of the skin
5. Loss of range of motion
6. Increased skin temperature
Some common symptoms of CHRONIC CRPS:
1. Pale skin
2. Decreased muscle mass (atrophy of muscles)
3. Nail changes
4. Stiffness or loss of movement
5. Weakness
6. Pain
7. Cold skin temperature
TREATMENTS
Treatment for CRPS relies on the quick diagnosis and immediate start of physical therapy. Injections such as sympathetic blocks can help jump start the autonomic nervous system which can result in decreased swelling, pain, and improved strength. Chronic CRPS is very responsive to spinal cord stimulation therapy. Spinal Cord Stimulation therapy is a insurance covered procedure which helps to reduce the pain and disability associated with chronic CRPS.