Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that most often takes place in the arms, feet, legs and hands. This develops as a result of an injury or illness that starts in another area of the body. It can also be caused from the body's immune response being triggered.
Causes
Complex regional pain syndrome has two different types. Type 1 was formerly known as "sympathetic dystrophy syndrome." This type of CRPS is caused from an illness or injury that had no effect on the nerves. Type 2, on the other hand, is directly related to nerve damage, and it was also once referred to as "causalgia."
Symptoms
Pain that can be severe at times is the main symptom of CRPS. The pain can also be accompanied with a burning sensation. The skin can endure a number of signs such as tenderness, sensitivity, color fluctuations and temperature extremes. The joints can become stiff and damaged, the muscles can suffer spasms and the body part that is affected can become hard to move.
Complications
If CRPS is not recognized early and is left untreated, more serious complications can develop. The muscles can wear away in the body part that you stop moving because of pain. This is known as "muscle wasting" or "atrophy." Your fingers, toes or hands can contract into a fixed position called "contracture." The symptoms can also travel from one body part to another. In a continual fashion, it can go from your hand up to your shoulder. In a mirror image, the symptoms can travel from one arm to the other. In an independent fashion, the symptoms can go from one body part to a distant body part.
Treatments
When CRPS is diagnosed after a few months, treatments can help improve the symptoms and put the condition into remission. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain. When pain is the result of damaged nerves, doctors often prescribe medications like prednisone, amitriptyline and gabapentin. Hot and cold therapy can be alternated to relieve sweating and swelling, physical therapy can be done to improve range of motion and nerve endings can be stimulated with electrical impulses to reduce pain.
Prevention/Solution
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several approaches you can take to cope with CRPS. They involve taking care of your mental and physical health. Examples include maintaining normal daily activities, getting proper rest and pacing yourself, staying connected with friends and family members and continually do hobbies that you enjoy.
