What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a condition that affects a singular limb and manifests symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling. CRPS develops for various reasons but is most commonly the result of a traumatic injury, infection, or heart attack. Due to the injury or condition’s effect on the nervous system, patients may experience nerve damage that results in heightened sensitivity and abnormal nerve signaling. Patients with CRPS often experience emotional distress as well due to the complexities associated with it. Therefore, it is essential to have a supportive specialist dedicated to helping patients with their unique conditions.
BEST Health System is a modern facility offering advanced CRPS and chronic pain management. If you have recently been diagnosed with CRPS, you must educate yourself on your condition so you can always be one step ahead. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and early signs of complex regional pain syndrome.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
There are a few telltale signs that a patient may have complex regional pain syndrome. Unfortunately, there is no designated test that can confirm or deny that a patient has this condition. Instead, diagnosis for this condition requires a review of symptoms and assessing other possibilities.
Common signs of CRPS include severe and continuous pain that may be disproportionate to the injury, changes in skin temperature and color (such as redness or discoloration), swelling and stiffness in the affected limb, abnormal sweating patterns, and hypersensitivity to touch or cold temperatures. Additionally, individuals with CRPS may experience muscle weakness, joint stiffness, tremors, and changes in hair and nail growth patterns.
Exploring Treatment Options for CRPS
Treating complex regional pain syndrome requires a comprehensive approach that includes physical therapy, neurologists, and pain management specialists. Traditional treatments for CRPS may include medications such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, or opioids to manage pain. In addition, physical therapy modalities like mirror therapy or graded motor imagery can help improve mobility and function.
If patients still experience pain after experimenting with conservative therapies, they may consider spinal cord stimulation therapy. This surgically implanted device blocks pain signals before they reach the brain. This allows patients to live comfortably and enjoy the activities that they miss most. At BEST, we offer trials so that patients can see if SCS is the right option for them.
BEST Health System
BEST Health System is the leader in chronic pain management treatment. We understand that patients with chronic pain often struggle to find meaningful relief, and it is our goal to make quality treatment more accessible.
Are you in need of chronic pain treatment? Contact us today to learn more.
