What is CRPS?
Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also once referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), is a chronic pain condition that causes pain symptoms to develop in one limb. The pain may occur after an injury to part of your limb, such as a finger, that progresses into chronic pain that affects the entire limb. It’s theorized that you may develop CPRS from damage or malfunction to your peripheral or central nervous system that alters your pain signals.
Categorizing CRPS is based on whether nerve damage is present, classification includes:
- CRPS-I - without confirmed nerve injury, previously referred to as RSD
- CRPS-II - with confirmed nerve injury, previously referred to as causalgia
Whether nerve damage is present or not, treatment for both types of CRPS is very similar.
What are the symptoms of CRPS?
CRPS causes prolonged constant pain in the affected limb. People who suffer from CRPS describe their pain as burning or a pins and needles sensation. Some also report feeling as though their limb is being squeezed.
Other symptoms you may experience in the affected limb with CRPS include:
- Temperature change
- Swelling
- Color change
- Changes in nail or hair growth pattern
These additional symptoms may develop due to changes in nerve function and circulation to the affected limb.
How is CRPS diagnosed?
The experienced team at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute specialize in the diagnosis and management of CRPS and can determine if your pain symptoms are due to the chronic condition after a comprehensive examination. In addition to reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your specialist may also recommend specialized tests to rule out other causes of your pain, such as blood work, MRI, X-ray, or nerve studies.
What treatments can help improve my CRPS?
Treatment for your CRPS is individualized based on your medical history and symptoms. Your specialist at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that not only helps you get relief from your pain but also allows you to get back to doing the things that make you happy without the ongoing pain.
Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or physical therapy. If conservative measures fail to give you the relief you seek, your specialist may recommend:
- Sympathetic nerve block - an injection that blocks nerve signals to reduce pain
- Spinal cord stimulator - implant device that alters nerve pain signals to your brain
The specialists at Regency Pain & Therapy Institute want nothing more than for you to get relief from your chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
For management of your CRPS from the pain specialists, call Regency Pain & Therapy Institute today.
