It is not completely understood what causes CRPS. Several factors may be involved, including injuries to the peripheral nervous system or differences in the central nervous system. Trauma, such as a fracture or amputation, is the most common cause of CRPS. Still, a sprained ankle or minor injury can trigger it. Rarely, CRPS appears spontaneously without apparent cause. Stressful times increase the likelihood of it occurring.
 
Both types of CRPS have similar signs and symptoms, but they are caused by different factors.
 
In Type 1 CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), the nerves in the affected limb are not directly damaged by the illness or injury. It is estimated that 90% of people with CRPS have type 1. The symptoms of type 2 CRPS are similar to those of type 1. Type 2 CRPS, on the other hand, occurs following a distinct nerve injury. The most common cause of CRPS is a forceful injury to an arm or a leg. An injury such as this may result in a fracture or a crushing injury.
 
CRPS can also be caused by major and minor traumas, such as surgery, infections, heart attacks, and even sprained ankles.
 
CRPS is not well understood as a result of these injuries. CRPS does not develop in everyone who suffers such an injury. A non-typical interaction between your central and peripheral nervous systems and different inflammatory responses may be responsible.

A severe disabling condition, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) usually affects the limbs after injury or surgery. Symptoms include severe pain, loss of range of motion, swelling, temperature changes, and skin changes.
 
It is possible for symptoms to change over time and vary from person to person. There is usually swelling, redness, pain, changes in temperature, and hypersensitivity (particularly to touch and cold).
 
It is possible for CRPS to progress to more-disabling symptoms if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early. When you avoid or have difficulty moving an arm or a leg due to pain or stiffness, tissue wasting (atrophy) occurs. A tightening of the muscles (contracture) may also occur. As a result, the fingers and toes or the hand may contract into a fixed position. Over time, affected limbs can become pale and cold. It is possible for patients to experience changes in the skin and nails, as well as muscle spasms. This condition is usually irreversible once these changes occur.
 
Sometimes, CRPS may spread to another part of the body, such as the opposite limb. In some people, the signs and symptoms of CRPS may go away on their own. Signs and symptoms may persist for months or years in others. It is likely that treatment will be most effective if it is started early on.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has no known cure, but a combination of physical treatment, medicine, and psychological support can help manage the symptoms.

Within the first two years, 85% of people with CRPS experience a decrease in pain and symptoms. However, some people continue to experience pain despite treatment. It is possible to develop further complications in rare cases, such as muscle wastage in the affected limb. It may be possible to improve symptoms of CRPS with early treatment. It is often necessary to combine different treatments according to your individual circumstances.
 
Treatment options for CRPS include physical rehabilitation, pain relief, psychological support, education, and self-management. Many patients undergo a combination of these treatments in order to manage their CRPS. See your healthcare provider if you experience constant, severe pain in a limb that makes touching or moving that limb impossible. Early treatment of CRPS is crucial. Treatment is available at American Pain and Wellness. For more information, please call us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7920 Preston Road, Suite 400, Plano, TX, 75093. We serve patients from Plano TX, Allen TX, Fairview TX, McKinney TX, Parker TX, Lucas TX, Murphy TX, Frisco TX, Richardson TX, and Collin County Texas.