Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment Q&A

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can develop in response to an injury or trauma, though in some cases there may not be a noticeable trigger. The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood but there are several factors that are believed to contribute to its development.

One theory is that CRPS is the result of an abnormal response by the body’s immune system following an injury. Another theory is that CRPS is the byproduct of dysfunction in the nervous system. Some researchers also believe that there may be a genetic component to CRPS, with certain people being predisposed to developing the condition due to variations in their DNA.

There are also several other factors that can increase the risk of developing CRPS, such as:

Being female: CRPS is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.

Older age: The risk of developing CRPS appears to increase with age.

Existing health conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression, are more likely to develop CRPS.

Mental and emotional stress: Stress and emotional trauma have been linked to the development or worsening of CRPS symptoms.

The stages of CRPS often vary in intensity and duration, and early identification and treatment are crucial for managing the symptoms and preventing the condition from getting worse. There are three stages to CRPS, which are:

Stage 1: Acute Phase: The first stage of CRPS is characterized by intense pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected limb. The pain is often described as burning or throbbing, and it may be disproportionate to the severity of the injury or trauma that caused the condition. Other symptoms may include changes in skin color and temperature, increased sensitivity to touch or cold, and muscle spasms.

Stage 2: Dystrophic Phase: If left untreated, CRPS may progress to the dystrophic phase which can last for several months. In this phase, the pain may become more persistent and intense, and the affected limb may become stiff and difficult to move. Other symptoms may include changes in skin texture and appearance, hair and nail growth abnormalities, and joint stiffness.

Stage 3: Atrophic Phase: This is the most severe stage which can last for several months or even years. During this phase, the affected limb may become thinner and weaker, and there may be decreased muscle tone and reduced range of motion. The pain may be less intense overall, but it is still persistent and debilitating.

Ignoring CRPS can lead to the spread of the condition, the result of which is the development of more significant problems down the line. This is why it’s vital to seek proper medical attention as soon as you start noticing changes to prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

To stop CRPS from spreading, it’s essential to begin a course of treatment as quickly as possible. This may include medication, physical therapy, nerve blocks, keeping the affected limb elevated, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet to prevent further damage.

A pain management specialist will lay out of comprehensive treatment plan for you to best address your unique symptoms.

A pain specialist is a medical professional that is specifically trained in identifying the source of pain and determining which treatment options are best suited for a patient’s individual needs.

So, to answer the question above, yes! A pain specialist is well-equipped to diagnose and offer treatment options for CRPS.

The first step in diagnosing CRPS is to rule out other potential causes of pain, such as injury, infection, or nerve damage. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, a pain specialist will begin to develop a tailored treatment plan that is homed in on your specific needs.

At Pain Specialists of Frisco, our pain specialists can help you manage and treat your CRPS so that you can elevate your quality of life and get back to living pain-free. Contact us today for more information about our complex regional pain syndrome treatment options or book in online to schedule an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, McKinney TX, Plano TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Lewisville TX, Allen TX, Aubrey TX, and surrounding areas.