What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a disproportionate response of the sympathetic nervous system (think fight or flight) following an injury. This abnormal feedback to the brain has been associated with injuries to bone, nerve, soft tissue, and blood vessels. It is most commonly seen in the hand and foot after immobilizing a painful injury in that region or after a stroke or heart attack.
Someone who has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) will complain of a continuous throbbing or burning pain in their arm, hand, leg, or foot. They may have increased sensitivity to touch, cold, and have changes to their skin color. These skin changes can range from blue, to red, to white blotches. The joints affected may be stiff and swollen as well. People with this syndrome may experience muscle spasms, tremors, and weakness.
There are two types of CRPS that one can develop:
Type 1: This type is found in the vast majority of CRPS patients, about 90%. It occurs after an injury that did not directly damage any nerves in the affected region.
Type 2: This less common form occurs after a direct injury to a nerve in the affected limb.
There is no general timeline for symptoms of this condition as it can last anywhere from a few months to a year. CRPS can lead to ongoing chronic pain which is a potential risk factor for developing clinical psychological depression.
Early management is crucial in order to support a good prognosis. There are some disabling complications that can develop if this issue is not taken care of early enough. The most common ones include muscle wasting and muscle contractures. When you visit your doctor, they will direct your treatment toward disrupting the increased sympathetic response and a nerve block medication will likely be administered. While medication will help ease the pain, it does not provide long term relief.
While medicated, it is important to see a physical therapist who will help you exercise through pain free ranges of motion. A physical therapist will help you loosen up joints that are stiff in order to prevent muscle and joint deterioration. They will also work with you to reduce the risk of contractures, which is caused by the tightening of muscles. In addition, various therapeutic techniques may be utilized to reduce swelling and reduce pain.
Medication alone will not help someone with CRPS get better for the long run. However, it significantly improves a patient’s ability to cooperate and perform better in a physical therapy session.
Are you or someone you know experiencing CRPS? Call us today to make an appointment. Our therapists will work with you to reduce the risk of complications, and help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Call to schedule an appointment! 1-718-258-3300
About Evolve Physical Therapy in Brooklyn-
Brooklyn's Premier Holistic Physical Therapy Clinics:
There’s physical therapy, there’s training, and then there’s EVOLVE. We use the science of biomechanics merged with fitness to help our patients get better and stay better!
First we evaluate, then we heal, then we strengthen our clients so they can reach their goals, feel better, and live happier lives. We do so by utilizing a range of core techniques and specialized treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, enhance physical strength and deal with the underlying issues, not just the pain itself.
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