Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a pain that arises in the arm or leg after an injury. Rarely, it can also occur after surgery, a heart attack, or a stroke. The pain often feels like burning and is more intense than the pain from the injury. This condition can also be termed "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" or "causalgia." Its cause is unknown.

The diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination findings. A hallmark of this syndrome is that the pain persists long after the injury has healed. The injured area often shows swelling. Changes in skin color, temperature, and moisture can be observed, and the skin can become sensitive even to light touches and temperature changes.

Usually, there's no need for specific tests to diagnose this condition. However, various blood tests and x-rays can be requested to rule out other diseases.

Treatment:

Various medications can help, but no drug alone or in combination provides long-term relief in this disease. Several different medications have been used to treat CRPS. Some drugs that block specific nerves can be prescribed. Corticosteroids might sometimes be helpful. Other drugs used for depression and epilepsy can also be employed to treat chronic pain.

Opioids and other pain relievers are ineffective against the pain caused by CRPS.

In patients where medications are ineffective or insufficient, a sympathetic nerve block can be performed. This procedure involves injecting local anesthetics into the nerves transmitting pain. If effective, it can be repeated. Physical therapy and psychological counseling can also be beneficial. However, what works for one patient might not work for another, and a personalized treatment plan should be formulated for each patient.

Early treatment can prevent CRPS from worsening, and improvement can sometimes be observed. If treatment starts early enough, symptoms might disappear entirely. However, patients with more severe symptoms who do not start treatment early might not respond to treatment methods. These individuals can benefit from a therapy program specifically aimed at teaching ways to cope with pain.