What is complex regional pain syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) causes chronic, often severe pain in an arm or leg that typically develops after injuring the limb. Any type of damage could trigger CRPS, including:
- Ligament sprains
- Fractures
- Burns
- Medical procedures
The pain stems from your nervous system, causing the affected limb's nerves to behave abnormally. Complex regional pain syndrome affects some people after such injuries, and not others, but the reason isn't entirely clear.
There could be a connection to your immune system, as the nerve overreaction occurring with CRPS has similarities to immune system problems like allergies. Your genes are likely to have an influence as well.
What symptoms does complex regional pain syndrome cause?
Pain is the chief symptom of CRPS. Patients report feeling a burning pain in the affected arm or leg that may spread over time. Other symptoms include:
- "Pins-and-needles" sensations
- Skin changing color
- Abnormal sweating
- Change in your hair or nails
- Problems moving your limb
Your skin might feel warmer or cooler than usual, and it could become so sensitive that the slightest touch causes pain.
Women are more at risk of developing CRPS than men. The condition most commonly affects people aged 20-35, although it can also occur in children.
How is complex regional pain syndrome treated?
Currently, there's no cure for CRPS, but expert treatment at Pacific Sports and Spine can provide relief from your symptoms. Some of the options that they offer include:
Physical therapy
Keeping your muscles and joints exercised stops them from getting weak. Physical therapy is highly beneficial for promoting healing and retaining flexibility in the affected limb.
Injections
An injection of local anesthetic (nerve block) causes temporary numbness in the affected arm or leg that provides relief from the continual pain.
Implantable devices
When other methods aren't providing enough pain relief, you might benefit from having an intrathecal pain pump that your provider at Pacific Sports and Spine implants under your skin. The pump delivers a controllable dose of pain-relieving medication into your spinal canal.
If you have arm or leg pain, or other complex regional pain syndrome symptoms, let Pacific Sports and Spine ease your suffering. Call or book an appointment online today.
