Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Overview

CRPS often follows a fracture, sprain, or surgery, with pain far greater than expected.

Skin may change color, temperature, or texture.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Severe pain after injury
• Burning pain, swelling, and color change in a limb after an injury

Less common

• Swelling
• Color changes
• Stiffness
• Hair or nail changes

When to get medical care

Causes

Nerve dysfunction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by exam.

Treatment

Keep moving.

Self-care

• Physical therapy
• Use the limb gently
• Try mirror therapy

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Early treatment helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Would a nerve block help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)