Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. It is believed to result from abnormal responses in the peripheral and central nervous systems, leading to prolonged, excessive pain and changes in skin, temperature, and motor function.
CRPS is categorized into:
Type I – Occurs without confirmed nerve injury (formerly called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
Type II – Occurs with a known nerve injury (formerly called Causalgia)
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing permanent disability and loss of function.
What Causes CRPS?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but CRPS often develops after:
Fractures or soft tissue injuries
Surgical procedures (especially orthopedic surgeries)
Nerve trauma or entrapment
Sprains or strains
Infections or immobilization (e.g., casting)
CRPS is associated with dysfunction in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to inflammation, nerve sensitization, and impaired circulation in the affected limb.
Common Symptoms of CRPS
Severe, burning or throbbing pain—often out of proportion to the original injury
Swelling, warmth or coolness, and skin color changes (red, blue, or pale)
Sensitivity to touch (allodynia) or temperature changes
Joint stiffness and decreased mobility
Abnormal sweating and hair/nail growth
Muscle weakness, tremors, or spasms
Pain that spreads beyond the original injury area
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs for inflammation and early pain
Neuropathic agents (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin)
Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) for nerve pain modulation
Corticosteroids for acute inflammation
Bisphosphonates or calcitonin for bone pain in some cases
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Desensitization exercises, mobility training, and range-of-motion therapy
Mirror therapy and graded motor imagery
Functional restoration to prevent disuse of the limb
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and stress management
Support for depression, anxiety, or PTSD that may accompany chronic pain
Interventional Pain Management Options
When CRPS does not respond to medications or therapy alone, interventional treatments can break the pain cycle and reset abnormal nerve signaling:
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Stellate ganglion block (for upper extremity CRPS)
Lumbar sympathetic block (for lower extremity CRPS)
Provides diagnostic value and therapeutic relief
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
An implanted device sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to modulate pain signals
FDA-approved and clinically proven to reduce CRPS pain and improve function
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Targeted stimulation of specific peripheral nerves causing pain
Less invasive than SCS and highly effective for localized symptoms
Intrathecal Pain Pumps
Deliver medication directly to the spinal fluid in severe, medication-resistant cases
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
NMDA receptor blocker shown to reduce central sensitization in CRPS
Used in refractory or severe cases under specialist supervision
When to Seek Help
You should consult a specialist if you:
Have severe pain or swelling in a limb that began after injury or surgery
Experience temperature or color changes in the hand, foot, arm, or leg
Develop hypersensitivity, limited mobility, or persistent burning pain
Have been diagnosed with CRPS and need more advanced treatment options
Personalized Care for CRPS
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we understand that CRPS is not just “in your head”—it’s a complex neurological condition that requires a precise, compassionate, and multidisciplinary approach. Our team uses a combination of physical therapy, advanced diagnostics, and minimally invasive nerve-targeted treatments to provide real relief and restore your quality of life.
👉 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward reclaiming your mobility and reducing your pain.