Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a condition that causes persistent, severe pain, and other symptoms. It usually follows an injury or surgery and causes pain that is disproportional to the initial injury. CRPS is a chronic condition that is often progressive. There is no cure, but remission is possible for some patients with early treatment.
Understanding CRPS
CRPS is a neuroinflammatory disorder in which something goes wrong in the immune and nervous systems as they respond to an injury. The pain signals never turn off. It is an extremely painful condition, that can also cause severe swelling, skin changes and other problems. CRPS is a disabling condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of CRPS, you need to see a medical professional who understands the condition and who is qualified to diagnose it. Even though it is scientifically proven to be a real medical condition, many doctors are still skeptical when patients come to them with symptoms. The problem with a delayed diagnosis is more than just prolonged suffering. It increases the likelihood that CRPS will be permanent.
Symptoms of CRPS
In CRPS, the initial pain from an injury may be much more severe than the injury should warrant. Or, it may not go away when the injury heals.
Symptoms of CRPS can include:
- Burning pain sensation
- Pain that feels cold
- Deep, aching pain
- Hypersensitivity to things that would normally cause pain, but not as severe
- Pain from contact with things that would not normally cause pain
- Abnormal swelling
- Loss of use or reduced ability to use the affected part of the body
- Unusual hair growth in the area
- Skin changes