C.R.P.S.
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 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a poorly understood disorder that is characterised by chronic, severe burning pain and progressive changes in skin, muscle, bone and even blood vessels.
In some cases the pain will remain limited to one area, however in many cases the pain does travel to other parts of the body over time. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chance is that the pain will not move elsewhere. There are two types of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: - C.R.P.S. Type I (previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - R.S.D.)
- C.R.P.S. Type II (previously known as Causalgia)
According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, it is estimated that between 1.5 and 6 million Americans suffer from C.R.P.S. Type I or Type II. A diagnosis of C.R.P.S. Type II is given when nerve injury is identifiable. In cases where no nerve damage can be found, but the symptoms are those of C.R.P.S., a diagnosis of Type I is given. The treatment options are the same for both types of C.R.P.S. Often nerve damage is assumed, even when it cannot be identified. |
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There is no cure-all treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. However, there are many treatments that can help a patient to control and cope with individual symptoms. Treatments often recommended for C.R.P.S. patients include physiotherapy, pain relief medications, nerve blocks, hydrotherapy, T.E.N.S. machines, spinal cord stimulators or morphine pumps. Alternative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture or reflexology may also help to relieve the pain in some cases. Recent studies indicate that breaking the pain cycle can lead to a significant reduction of symptoms, so the latest treatments being developed for C.R.P.S. involve preventing the brain from receiving pain signals. These treatments range from medications to Delta Wave tracks that aim to reset the brain waves. |
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The pain experienced by C.R.P.S. sufferers is described as a “burning pain” and it is always present to some degree, although some factors aggravate the symptoms, so the level of severity of the pain will vary. Allodynia is a common symptom of C.R.P.S. This means that something that should be a non-painful stimulus, such as a breeze, contact with water or wearing clothes can cause a dramatic increase in pain. These stimuli can also trigger parasthesia, which is the sensation that bugs are crawling under the skin. This may occur in other areas of the body as well as or instead of the main area that hurts. Changes in skin
Patients may also experience abnormal sweating in the affected area or a change in skin temperature, dryness or colour. Affected areas sometimes become shiny, red, mottled or purple. This is due to constriction of blood vessels. In some cases the area may be visibly swollen. Some patients notice an increase or decrease in hair growth around the affected area. Where fingers or toes are affected, nail growth may increase or decrease or nails may become weak and show ridges. Changes in muscle
Muscle spasm or muscle wasting are common with C.R.P.S. and make it even harder for C.R.P.S. patients to use the affected area. Changes in bone
C.R.P.S. sufferers are more prone to developing osteoporosis, or its precursor osteopenia. There are various stages of C.R.P.S. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible because the later stages of C.R.P.S. are irreversible and very difficult to treat. |
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Although the precise causes of C.R.P.S. are unknown, it often occurs following an injury. C.R.P.S. may occur following a severe injury that significantly reduces the use of the affected area for a prolonged period of time. For example, patients often develop C.R.P.S. when a limb is in a cast to repair a broken bone. In these cases the cast can severely aggravate the pain and C.R.P.S. is often diagnosed early on. However, C.R.P.S. is just as likely to occur following a minor injury and the pain of C.R.P.S. may be far worse than the pain initially caused by the injury.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome has been classified as a syndrome, not a disease. A disease is a condition with a clearly identifiable cause, whereas a syndrome is a set of symptoms that define the condition without a single causative agent upon which to place the blame. Although C.R.P.S. Type II is linked to nerve damage, the reason it occurs following nerve damage is still unknown. Only a small proportion of cases of nerve damage lead to C.R.P.S. symptoms. |
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C.R.P.S.