Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or leg after an injury. The pain is often more severe and longer-lasting than expected for the original injury.
CRPS is divided into two types:
The condition involves abnormal responses in the nervous system, leading to ongoing pain and changes in the affected limb.
Symptoms of CRPS can vary but often include:
Symptoms may change over time and can spread beyond the initial injury site.
CRPS often develops after an injury, but the exact cause is not fully understood.
Possible contributing factors include:
These factors can lead to an exaggerated and prolonged pain response.
There is no single test for CRPS. Diagnosis is based on a medical history and physical examination.
Doctors evaluate:
Diagnosis is often based on established clinical criteria, such as those from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).
Imaging or other tests may be used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment for CRPS requires a multidisciplinary approach focused on pain relief and restoring function.
Common treatment options include:
Interventional treatments may include:
Early treatment improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term disability.
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical intervention may be considered. Minimally invasive procedures may be used to decompress an irritated nerve or stabilize the affected disc. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases.
Persistent lower back pain, neck pain, or radiating nerve pain should not be ignored. Early evaluation allows for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment, helping prevent progression and long-term complications.
CRPS typically causes burning or stinging pain deep in the affected limb, along with increased sensitivity to touch, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. Symptoms can spread beyond the original injury site over time.
CRPS usually follows an injury, though the exact cause isn’t fully understood. It’s classified as Type 1 (no direct nerve damage) or Type 2 (following a direct nerve injury), and involves the nervous system responding abnormally to the initial injury.
There’s no single test for CRPS. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam findings, and ruling out other conditions, often supported by imaging or nerve studies.
Yes — treatment options range from physical therapy and medication to nerve blocks and other interventional procedures. Earlier treatment generally leads to better outcomes, which is why prompt evaluation matters.
If you notice worsening or unusual pain, swelling, or skin/temperature changes in a limb after an injury — especially pain that seems out of proportion to the injury itself — it’s worth getting evaluated rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.