Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

It usually affects one limb after injury or surgery, although a trigger is not always identifiable. Psychological support addresses its impact; it does not imply that the pain is imaginary.

Related reading: Distinguishing causes of musculoskeletal pain.

Burning pain, extreme touch sensitivity, swelling and changes in skin temperature, color or sweating may occur. Stiffness and reduced movement can develop; signs vary over time.

Altered nervous-system, immune and inflammatory responses may contribute. No single mechanism explains every case. CRPS can occur with or without a confirmed nerve injury.

Fractures, sprains or surgery often precede CRPS. Women are affected more often, but different ages can be affected. An injury does not mean CRPS will develop.

Diagnosis uses clinical symptom and sign patterns, including the Budapest criteria, while excluding alternatives. Tests may investigate infection, a clot or another injury; no single laboratory test confirms CRPS.

Care combines gentle graded rehabilitation, desensitization, pain management and psychological support. Vigorous exercise may worsen symptoms. Medicines or stimulation procedures are selected by an experienced specialist team.

Reduced movement, muscle weakness, stiffness and disruption of sleep, mood or work may persist. Many people improve with care, but an individual recovery time cannot be promised.

Guaranteed prevention is unavailable. Follow post-injury movement advice and report disproportionate pain rather than forcing severely painful exercise or prolonged unsupervised immobilization.