Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS is an infrequent, chronic condition that typicallyaffects the arm or leg. Complex regional pain syndrome, may possibly affect other areas of the body however it is considered an unlikely occurrence. The pain that is associated with CRPS is characterized by extreme aching or burning.

Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome will be identified as type 1 or type 2. Both types will share almost identical signs and symptoms but will be influenced by different factors.
Type 1 was once known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. It usually materializes following an illness or injury that did not cause direct impairment to the nerves in the affected appendage. Approximately 90 percent of people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have the type 1 presentation of the illness.
Type 2 was previously known as causalgia, this type happensas the result of an unmistakable nerve injury.
Numerousinstances of Complex Regional Pain Syndromewill be initiated as the result of severe trauma to any limb. A gunshot wound or shrapnel blast may induce this condition to emerge. It may also be causedby fractures, surgery, infections, heart attacks, and quite possibly as the result of a sprained ankle. The reasons these injuries may encourage the development of this disease is not entirely known.


Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The majorsymptom of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is extreme pain, which worsens over a period of time. Further signs and symptoms may likely include:
A growing inability to move the affected part of the body.
Skin sensitivity.
A noticeableburning pain in the hand, arm leg or foot.
Modificationsin the growth rate of hair and nails.
Stiffness, swelling and damage of the joints.
Atrophy and debilitation that will be identified by muscle spasms, weakness and loss.
Modifications in skin colour, temperature and texture.

The symptoms will probably vary as time progresses. The symptoms will present themselves differently in each affected individual. It is essential that an individual receives timely medical intervention to improve the overall outcome of the disease. The sooner the treatment is employed the less likely an individual is to suffer fromsevere manifestations of the condition.

Treatments for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Treatment may include medications like:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Corticosteroids
• Anti-depressants for example Amitriptyline
• Anticonvulsants for example gabapentin

Some therapies may include:

• Utilizing hot and cold compresses on the affected area.
• Topical analgesics may be used to decrease hypersensitivity.
• Physical therapy may be used to help range of motion and muscle strength.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used to alleviate chronic pain.
• Sympathetic nerve-blocking medication may be employed to relieve pain.
• Spinal cord stimulation may be considered for extra pain relief.