Complex regional pain syndrome is a rare, chronic pain disorder resulting from a dysfunction in the nervous system. Like many other chronic pain conditions, there is no clear cause. CRPS typically presents itself after a trauma to the body, such as a stroke, a heart attack, an injury or surgery. Characterized by intense pain, swelling and changes in the skin, CRPS can worsen over time. It generally affects a particular area of the body, most commonly an arm or leg, but it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated properly. There are two types of CRPS: the most common is reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which is brought on by an illness or injury that did not directly damage the nerve. The second and less common type, causalgia, happens when the nerve is obviously damaged. Both types can cause the same problems and appear with the same symptoms. Emotional distress can heighten the pain and bring on symptoms more quickly.
Symptoms
The initial onset of pain is usually located where the injury or trauma happened. Intense pain symptoms like stabbing, throbbing and burning are indicators. The area is highly sensitive to touch or cold, and even slight movement can be unbearable. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, swelling, skin discoloration and temperature changes. Sufferers of CRPS may not necessarily exhibit all of these symptoms. Some of these may go away without treatment, but others can persist for months or even years. Often, symptoms such as swelling, discoloration and coldness can become permanent in the affected limb. Consulting a doctor early on can help to eliminate some of these problems.
Treatment
CRPS is diagnosed through a series of tests determined by your physician or pain management specialist. At PMIR, we believe that a multidisciplinary approach is best when treating this disorder. A comprehensive treatment plan will be prepared using a few different techniques. Nerve blocks, spinal stimulator, and spinal pumps are a few possible treatments. These, coupled with other treatments such as physical therapy, have been shown to greatly reduce the symptoms from CRPS. We build treatment plans specific to each person depending on their symptoms and needs, and we can do the same for you.
If you think you may have complex regional pain syndrome, or are experiencing any type of long-term pain, please call us today. It is important to start treatment early, and we have the tools and compassion to help. To make an appointment call (877) 724-7349 or visit our website at https://paininjuryrelief.com.
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I had two surgeys done on my right foot since then my foot pass up. I have electric shocks all the time in my foot. I have pins and needles in my foot and going up my leg my leg now recently has swelled up I have to keep my foot out of the blankets to try to sleep I can’t stand the blankets touching my foot my balance is awful I keep falling over the pain is on believable it is a nightmare