About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Do you have chronic, burning pain? The cause may be complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS can develop in a limb when an injury or surgery involves nerve damage, and the pain can be severe.
Definition
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that most often affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Complex regional pain syndrome is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia.
Causes
Complex regional pain syndrome usually develops in a limb after an injury (such as a broken bone) or surgery that may have involved nerve damage.
Symptoms
The overriding symptom is extreme pain, frequently described as burning. Other symptoms can include:
- Sensitivity to touch
- Skin changes
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Decreased function of the hand/foot
Diagnosis
Your doctor may base a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome on:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Bone scan
- Nervous system tests
- X-rays
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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