07/23/2021
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a unique and disabling type of chronic pain that typically affects either an arm or leg.
A person might have an injury or surgery but instead of developing gradually improving pain, he/she will instead develop pain that progresses in both severity and areas affected. The pain can become much more severe than the initial injury. Sometimes, there is no clear injury that proceeds CRPS.
Thereās much about CRPS that we still donāt completely understand but one thing that is clear is that early and aggressive treatment usually yields the best results.
Signs and symptoms of CRPS may include:
- Continuous pain and sensitivity to touch of the hand, arm, foot or leg
- Continuous or intermittent swelling, color changes, or temperature fluctuations of that extremity
- Progressive stiffness and/or weakness of the extremity
- Changes in hair and nail growth
If you or a loved one seem to be dealing with similar pain, discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible and consider asking for a referral to an interventional pain physician for specialized treatment. Early treatment is vital.
Such treatment options often involve a combination of pain medicines, especially nerve pain medicines, physical therapy, injections targeting portions of the sympathetic nervous system, and even spinal cord stimulator implants.
At Medical Pain Management Services, Rockford, we diagnose and successfully treat patients suffering from CRPS regularly. Our physicians have over 70 years of experience in treating this and other types of chronic pain. Call 815-397-8400 for an appointment.
