Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyers

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is a type of chronic pain that can affect part of the body. Typically, CRPS affects an arm or a leg. It often develops after an injury or medical event, such as surgery, stroke, or a heart attack.

CRPS often causes pain that is far more serious than what might be expected given the original injury. At this point, doctors do not fully understand CRPS. However, when treatment for this condition is started early, the chances of improvement and even remission are much higher.

Causes of CRPS

The cause of complex regional pain syndrome is usually some type of trauma or injury. While scientists haven’t exactly figured out why this happens, they believe that it is caused by a difference in or injury to the peripheral and central nervous systems.

There are two different types of CRPS. While the signs and symptoms of each type are similar, they arise from different causes: 

• Type 1, or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), happens after an injury or illness that did not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. Type 1 is the most common type of CRPS, with about 90% of all sufferers diagnosed with RSD.
• Type 2 (formerly known as causalgia) occurs after a direct injury to the nerve.

Many patients are diagnosed with CRPS after a trauma to an arm or leg, such as a crushing injury or a broken bone. Other types of trauma, such as surgery, infection, sprained ankles, or heart attacks, can also lead to CRPS. Doctors don’t quite understand why these types of injuries sometimes trigger CRPS, but do not always lead to a CRPS diagnosis.

Symptoms of CRPS

There are many different symptoms of CRPS. They may include:

• Sensitivity to touch or to cold
• Swelling of the affected area
• Continuous burning or throbbing pain
• Changes in skin temperature between hot and sweaty and cold
• Changes in skin color, which may include white and blotchy to red or blue
• Changes in nail and hair growth
• Joint stiffness, swelling, and damage
• Changes in skin texture over the affected area
• Decreased ability to move the affected body part
• Muscle spasms, weakness (atrophy), and tremors

These symptoms can vary over time and from person to person. Typically, a person initially experiences pain, swelling, changes in temperature, sensitivity to cold and touch, and redness. Over time, the affected limb may become cold and pale and may show signs of muscle spasms, tightening, skin, and nail changes. These changes are often irreversible.

Symptoms of CRPS can last for months or years. Treatment for CRPS is most effective when it is started early. Without treatment, CRPS can lead to tissue wasting (atrophy) or muscle tightening (contracture). These conditions can make it hard to move or use the affected limb.

Treatments for CRPS

Complex regional pain syndrome is diagnosed after a physical exam and medical history. Doctors will typically order a number of different tests to help make the diagnosis, including:

• A bone scan to detect bone changes
• X-rays to determine if there is any mineral loss from bones
• Sweat production tests to determine if there is an uneven amount of sweat on the limbs
• MRIs can show tissue changes and rule out other conditions

After a diagnosis is made, doctors can start treatment. This usually includes a combination of medications and therapies, such as:

• Pain relievers: Depending on the severity of the pain, a doctor may order over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or a stronger narcotic medication to control pain.
• Antidepressants and/or anticonvulsant drugs: Certain antidepressant and anticonvulsant (seizure) medications can be used to treat nerve pain caused by conditions like CRPS
• Steroids: These medications can be used to reduce inflammation and improve mobility
• Bone-loss medications: These drugs can be used to prevent or stall bone loss associated with CRPS
• Intravenous ketamine: When administered intravenously at a low dose, this medication can help to alleviate pain
• Blood pressure medications: These drugs can sometimes help to control pain
• Nerve-blocking medications: An injection of an anesthetic can block pain fibers in the affected nerves
• Heat therapy: A heating pad or similar heat treatment can offer relief for swelling, discomfort, and pain
• Topical analgesics: Creams and patches can be applied to the skin to reduce hypersensitivity
• Mirror therapy: This type of therapy, which involves performing exercises in front of a mirror, can trick the brain into thinking that a healthy limb is the one affected by CRPS, which can improve function and reduce pain
• Physical and/or occupational therapy: These therapies can be used to decrease pain, improve range of motion, and increase strength
• TENS therapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, involves applying light electrical impulses to nerve endings, which can ease chronic pain
• Biofeedback: This technique allows patients to become more aware of their bodies so that they can relax their bodies, which can relieve pain
• Acupuncture: The insertion of long, thin needles can help to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, leading to increased blood flow and reduced pain
• Spinal cord stimulation: A physician can insert tiny electrodes along your spinal cord, allowing a small electrical current to be delivered to the spinal cord to relieve pain
• Drug pumps: Medications to relieve pain can be pumped into the spinal fluid.

The most important thing when it comes to CRPS treatment is getting help early. This can often increase the likelihood of remission or improved outcomes.

CRPS is a complicated disorder that isn’t well understood.  It can seriously affect your daily life, causing pain and disability. If you have been diagnosed with CRPS after an accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of our experienced Vero Beach personal injury attorneys.