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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain, which often affects the arm, leg, hand or feet, that can develop from major and minor traumas. These injuries can range from a simple sprained ankle to an infection, surgery, stroke or heart attack. This chronic pain is caused due to high levels of nerve impulses being sent to the affected body part. Complex regional pain syndrome is more commonly seen in women than men.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes CRPS. Scientists think that CRPS is a result of inflammation of the nerves and changes in a person’s perception of pain in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome vary with severity. Signs and symptoms of CRPS include:

Continuous and intense pain
Pins & needles
Burning or throbbing pain
Numbness
Sensitivity to touch or cold
Swelling
Changes in skin temperature (sweaty & cold)
Changes in skin color (white/blotchy to red/blue)
Changes in hair and nail growth
Decreased ability to move the affected body part
Muscle spasms and tremors
Joint stiffness
Problems sleeping
Increased irritability
Depression & anxiety
Memory loss

There are 2 types of CRPS with similar symptoms but different causes:

Type 1 is known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). This presents when an injury or illness doesn't directly damage the nerves. Majority of people suffering from CRPS have this type.
Type 2 is formerly known as causalgia. This type occurs when nerve damage is present. Type 2 is considered the more painful of the two types.

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and symptoms associated with the disorder since there is no cure for CRPS. Treatment is most effective when started early. Doctors may prescribe medications such as topical analgesics, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids to relieve pain. However, no drug or combination of drugs can help with the consistent long lasting improvement in symptoms.

If your doctor and physical therapist suspect your pain is caused by CRPS, they will discuss with you a treatment plan that will help your chronic pain. Keeping the painful limb or body part moving helps improve blood flow to your affected limb as well as increase your flexibility, strength, muscle tone and function. Rehabilitating the affected limb helps to prevent or reverse brain changes associated with disuse due to chronic pain.

Physical therapy can help through patient education, therapeutic exercise (range of motion exercises & muscle strengthening), hands on therapy, manual therapy, massage therapy, class IV laser, alterG, virtual reality treadmill and electric stimulation. Occupational therapy is another form of therapy that can help with complex regional pain syndrome. Occupational therapy can help people learn new ways to become active, return to their daily activities, and manage their symptoms.

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Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/complex-regional-pain-syndrome

https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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