Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a serious and chronic pain syndrome that typically affects the hands, legs and arms. Burning, swelling and stiffness are just a few characteristics of this complicated disease. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Association, 200,000 to 1.2 million people in the United States suffer from CRPS.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome include: burning pain in your extremities, joint swelling, stiffness, muscle weakness, muscle swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. Symptoms are different in each person and get worse the longer the symptoms last.
Types
Two types of complex regional pain syndromes exist. They present with similar symptoms but have different causes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Type 1, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is caused by injury or illness without nerve involvement. Type 2, formerly known as causalgia, is caused by nerve injury.
Features
Complex regional pain syndrome disrupts the way your brain and spinal cord work. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Association, nerves work continuously and send pain signals to the brain. This continuous firing of pain signals results in the debilitating pain you may experience if suffering from complex regional pain syndrome.
Treatment
There is no cure for complex regional pain syndrome. Once the disease becomes chronic, it is irreversible. According to the Mayo Clinic, some treatments can provide momentary pain relief. Those include medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS), steroids and antidepressants. Physical therapy, spinal cord stimulation (electricity passed through the spinal cord to provide relief), and pain-relieving creams also play a role in relief.
Population
According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, complex regional pain syndrome is found in two to three times more women than men. The average age for people suffering complex regional pain syndrome is 42 years old.
