Pain/Neurological

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that most often affects a limb (arm, leg, hand, or foot) after an injury. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area. There are two types: CRPS-I (without confirmed nerve injury) and CRPS-II (with confirmed nerve injury, formerly called causalgia).

9

Symptoms

5

Causes

8

Treatments

3

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Continuous burning or throbbing pain
  • Sensitivity to touch or cold (allodynia)
  • Swelling of the painful area
  • Changes in skin temperature (alternately sweaty and cold)
  • Changes in skin color (blotchy, purple, pale, or red)
  • Changes in skin texture
  • Hair and nail growth changes
  • Joint stiffness and swelling
  • Muscle spasms and weakness

Causes

  • Injury or trauma (fracture, surgery, sprain)
  • Nerve damage or dysfunction
  • Abnormal inflammatory response
  • Abnormal interaction between central and peripheral nervous systems
  • In some cases, no clear precipitating event

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination using Budapest Criteria
  • Bone scan
  • X-rays
  • MRI
  • Sympathetic nerve blocks (diagnostic response)
  • Thermography

Treatment

  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Medications (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, opioids)
  • Nerve blocks (sympathetic nerve blocks)
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Intrathecal drug pumps
  • Mirror therapy
  • TENS

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Age 40–70
  • Previous fracture or injury
  • Immobilization after injury
  • Possible genetic predisposition

Prevention

  • Vitamin C after limb fracture may reduce risk
  • Early mobilization after injury
  • Prompt treatment of pain after injury

Prevalence

Estimated 200,000 new cases per year in the United States; affects approximately 1–2 per 100,000 people annually.

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