Specialized Care for Complex and Persistent Nerve Pain
Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, can be one of the most challenging types of chronic pain to live with. The pain may seem disproportionate to the original injury and can be accompanied by changes in the skin, temperature, swelling and movement of the affected area.
At ECPC Pain Specialists, our interventional pain specialists understand the complex nature of CRPS and offer individualized treatment plans focused on reducing pain, preserving function and helping patients regain quality of life.
What Is CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that most commonly affects an arm, hand, leg or foot. It may develop after an injury, surgery or other trauma, although symptoms can sometimes occur without an obvious triggering event.
There are two recognized types:
CRPS Type I occurs without a confirmed direct injury to a specific nerve.
CRPS Type II occurs when there is a known nerve injury.
Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS can cause a combination of sensory, skin, vascular and movement-related changes.
Symptoms may include:
- Intense burning or aching pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Pain from normally non-painful stimuli
- Swelling
- Changes in skin color
- Changes in skin temperature
- Changes in sweating
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty using the affected arm or leg
Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.
What Causes CRPS?
The exact mechanisms behind CRPS are not completely understood.
It is believed to involve abnormal signaling within the nervous system and changes involving nerves, blood vessels, inflammation and the body’s response to injury.
CRPS may develop following:
- Fractures
- Surgery
- Sprains or other injuries
- Direct nerve injury
- Other trauma to an extremity
How Is CRPS Diagnosed?
There is no single laboratory or imaging test that confirms CRPS.
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, physical examination and medical history. Your physician may also order testing to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Early recognition can be important because maintaining movement and function is an important part of CRPS management.
Treatment for CRPS
Treatment is individualized and may involve several approaches.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Medication management
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
- Other targeted nerve blocks
- Neuromodulation, including spinal cord stimulation, for selected patients
- Behavioral and coping strategies as part of comprehensive pain management
The goal is to help reduce pain while maintaining or improving function.
Why Specialized Pain Care Matters
CRPS can involve multiple aspects of the nervous system and can change over time.
A comprehensive approach can help identify appropriate treatment options while supporting your ability to remain active and use the affected limb.
At ECPC, we work with you to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing persistent burning pain, extreme sensitivity or changes in the appearance or temperature of an arm or leg after an injury, we encourage you to seek an evaluation.
Contact ECPC Pain Specialists to schedule a consultation for CRPS.