Definition
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that affects the nerves and blood vessels of 1 or more limbs.
There are 2 types:
- Type 1—no injury to the nerves can be found, may be referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (most common)
- Type 2—nerve injury can be found (also described as causalgia)
Causes
CRPS has many causes such as:
- Broken bones
- Trauma
- Burns
- A local infection
- Pregnancy
- Heart attack or stroke
How CRPS develops isn't clear. One or more below may play a role:
- Genes
- How the immune system works
- Psychological problems such as anxiety , anger, stress, or depression
Risk Factors
The chances of CRPS is higher for:
- Having any of the problems listed above
- Limb immobilization
- Longer than normal healing time
- The use of certain medicines
Symptoms
Symptoms mainly appear after an injury. The most common is long term pain. It may be constant or severe. Pain is described as burning, throbbing, aching, squeezing, or shooting.
These may change over time and cause:
- Sensitivity to touch or even a light breeze
- Swelling in the arm or leg
- Sweating patterns that aren’t normal
- Excessively warm or cool skin
- Hair and nails that become brittle and crack
- Movements in the arm or leg such as a tremor, jerking, or spasms
- A pale, blue, or shiny look to the skin
- Limited joint movement
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and physical exam may point to CRPS. Testing is done to rule out other conditions. This can be done with:
- Nerve conduction studies
- EMG —to test your muscles
- Tests on the nerve pathways in your body
Imaging tests usually aren't needed unless there is a certain reason to have them.
Treatment
The goal is to ease pain and help you function better. Early care may help you get better faster. In some cases, problems go away on their own. This is more common in children. One or more methods may be used:
- Therapy to help with muscle strength, flexibility, and daily activies. These may lower pain and help you move around better.
- Counseling to help with depression, anxiety, and stress. It may be needed to cope with pain and loss of function.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy. It focuses on how the way you think affects the way you feel and act.
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Medicines are used to:
- Ease pain and swelling
- Relax your muscles
- Strengthen your bones
- Nerve blocks
- Surgery to destroy certain nerves that are causing problems (may also worsen problems in some cases)
- Implants—electrical impulses are sent to the spine to control pain
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 08/23/2018 -