Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic, painful condition affecting the arms or legs.
Symptoms typically include severe chronic pain, inflammation, and changes in skin color and skin temperature.
Learn about your treatment options
The first step in treating your pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At The Pain Center, we offer traditional and state-of-the-art therapies to treat your pain and help get you back to your normal activities.
Causes of CRPS
Although there is no known cause of CRPS, the condition typically develops after a traumatic injury, infection, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. CRPS occurs in two types, with Type 1 developing after an illness or injury and Type 2 (commonly referred to as causalgia) developing after distinctive nerve damage or injury to the affected limb. In some cases, short and long-term emotional stress has also been considered a precipitating factor.
CRPS Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of CRPS may change over time and vary from person to person. Because no specific tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood tests, can only rule out other conditions, looking at symptoms is the most efficient way to determine a diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of CRPS are pain, inflammation, redness, and hypersensitivity to temperature and touch.
After a time, the affected area may become cold and undergo various skin changes (i.e., color, temperature, texture, etc.).
Other symptoms of this condition may include the following:
- Burning or throbbing pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Swelling of the affected area
- Changes in hair and nail growth
- Joint swelling, stiffness, or damage
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Immobility of the affected body parts
How to Treat CRPS
Patients should seek treatment for CRPS immediately after receiving their diagnosis. A combination of therapies may help reduce pain, improve symptoms, or slow the progression of complex regional pain syndrome.
Treatment options for CRPS may include:
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Injections
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Occupational Therapy
- Medication Management
Get the care you need within 24 hours*
We know when you’re looking for relief for your chronic pain, you can’t wait any longer than you already have. This is why we can schedule you with an appointment within 24 hours at most of our pain centers across the Valley, so you can start your journey to life-long pain relief as soon as tomorrow.