What To Know About Living With CRPS
Living with chronic pain presents specific challenges that require understanding the underlying condition. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a specific form of chronic pain that typically affects an arm, hand, or foot. It usually develops after an injury, but the pain is disproportionate to the severity of the initial injury. Here is more information on this condition and how to live with it:
What Is CRPS?
CRPS is a broad clinical term describing excessive, prolonged pain and inflammation that follows an injury to a limb. There are two forms of CRPS: type I occurs after an illness or injury that did not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb, while type II follows a distinct nerve injury. Both types share similar symptoms and treatments.
The condition is characterized by pain greater than would be expected from the injury that caused it. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it may result from damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. Early diagnosis allows for more effective symptom management and helps prevent symptom progression.
What Causes It?
Doctors categorize the causes of CRPS based on the presence or absence of nerve injury. Most cases are triggered by a clear history of trauma or injury, such as a fracture, sprain, or soft tissue injury. The body’s immune system responds to the injury with inflammation, redness, and warmth, but in CRPS, this response is prolonged. Other potential triggers include surgery, heart attacks, or strokes.
What Are the Symptoms?
The primary symptom of CRPS is prolonged, severe pain that may be constant. The pain may feel like a burning or “pins and needles” sensation that spreads to involve the entire arm or leg. Sensitivity to painful stimuli is common, and some individuals experience changes in hair and nail growth patterns.
Changes in skin temperature and color are common clinical indicators of the syndrome. The skin on the affected limb may feel warmer or cooler than the opposite limb, and it may appear blotchy, pale, purple, or red. Swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can reduce mobility, impacting the ability to perform daily tasks.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment primarily focuses on relieving pain and restoring function through physical therapy and medication. Physical therapy exercises help reduce pain and improve range of motion, while active use of the limb helps prevent muscle wasting. Doctors may prescribe medications to manage inflammation and nerve pain.
Heat therapy is another non-invasive modality that provides relief by improving blood flow and relaxing stiff muscles. It may be combined with other therapeutic interventions, and patients benefit from carefully monitoring its application to avoid aggravating skin sensitivity. Consistent heat application helps reduce joint stiffness and prepare the limb for movement.
Advanced interventions include spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug pumps. Spinal cord stimulation uses implanted electrodes to send low-level electrical impulses, and this stimulation replaces pain signals with a mild tingling sensation. Drug pumps deliver medication directly into the spinal fluid, allowing lower doses.
Learn More From a Specialist
Living with CRPS requires a comprehensive management strategy to maintain quality of life. Early treatment can slow the progression of the disorder, and remission is possible for some patients. Consult with a pain management specialist to discuss your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options.
