Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affects about 200,000 people yearly in the United States. If you experience chronic pain in your limbs because of CRPS, see the experts at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine in Dallas, Texas. Pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC, and Engy Melek, MD, RD, LD, diagnose and treat CRPS to ease your discomfort. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition that typically occurs in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet). It may appear because of a dysfunction in your spinal cord and brain, causing an overreaction to pain signals within your body.

Type 1 CRPS appears without nerve damage, often after an injury or illness, while type II CRPS occurs because of nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

The symptoms that may develop because of complex regional pain syndrome can include:

• Pain
• Burning
• Tearing sensation
• Stinging
• Numbness
• Skin swelling
• Changes in your skin temperature
• Reduced function in the affected limb
• Changes in skin color and/or texture
• Changes in hair and nail growth

However, symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms might begin within 4-6 weeks after an injury or surgery.

What are the risk factors for complex regional pain syndrome?

CRPS risk factors may include:

• Autoimmune conditions 
• Inflammation 
• Nerve trauma
• Injuries, such as bone fractures
• Surgery
• Strains
• Sprains
• Burns
• Cuts
• Bruises 
• Prolonged immobilization 
• Being in your 40s
• Being female
• European ancestry
• Poor nerve health
• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• Smoking

However, the causes of complex regional pain syndrome aren’t fully understood.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

Diagnosing CRPS requires a review of your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history. You may complete:

• Physical exam
• Lab testing
• Nerve testing
• Imaging procedures

For example, you might need a bone scan, an ultrasound, or an MRI. 

How is complex regional pain syndrome treated?

Your personalized CRPS treatment plan may consist of:

• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Elevation
• Regular exercise
• Compression
• Avoiding smoking
• Managing diabetes 
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mirror therapy 
• Biofeedback
• Medication management
• Trigger point injections
• Nerve blocks
• Dorsal root ganglia stimulation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Intrathecal pain pump
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 

You might be a candidate for more than one CRPS treatment to maximize pain relief. Follow up with experts at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine regularly. They can make adjustments to your treatment plan whenever necessary.

Schedule a complex regional pain syndrome evaluation at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.