Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that might develop following an injury, typically in an arm or leg. This type of pain is characterized by a burning feeling and can occur to any person at any age. In cases of CRPS, nerves get affected which sends pain signals to the brain which makes it difficult to diagnose the exact cause behind the pain.
People who suffer from CRPS can have a sweating problem (they might either sweat too much or sweat not at all). Common symptoms of CRPS include:
- burning pain in an arm, foot, leg, or hand
- swelling and extreme sensitivity in affected areas
- joint stiffness
- change in skin color and texture
- loss of mobility
Many CRPS patients also experience forgetfulness, memory issues, and cognitive impairment.
Generally, pain and inflammation disappear after the healing of an injury. However, when nerves of the central or peripheral nervous system are damaged, they carry pain sensation messages to the brain that trigger CRPS. A burn, cut, fracture or injury can lead to CRPS.
When the nerve damage is identifiable, it is categorized as CRPS II. However, when there is no clear evidence of nerve damage, it is labeled as CRPS I.
People who are diagnosed with CRPS often wonder whether this burning sensation will ever go away.
How Long Does Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Last? Will I Be Able to Get Rid of It?
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, complex regional pain syndrome will not simply disappear on its own. There is no fixed answer to how long CRPS lasts. In some cases, CRPS can go undiagnosed for years. Therefore, if you are feeling chronic pain even after recovering from an injury or fracture, you should consult a doctor who is specialized in pain management solutions.
It is not advised for CRPS patients to use ice or hot and cold contrast therapy to get relief. The best way to get relief from this chronic pain condition is to visit a medical facility that has a good history of treating CRPS patients. You can ask your primary care physician to refer you to a pain specialist in or nearby your area.
With the right pain management treatment, CRPS usually improves over time and can even go away fully. A sympathetic block can help you get the much-needed relief to alleviate CRPS pain. If you have tried everything and still struggling with CRPS, as a treatment of last resort, a spinal cord stimulator can also help with CRPS pain.
Typically, CRPS tends to occur in three stages. In the beginning, the leg or arm starts feeling painful and hot to the touch. Even small movements can trigger the pain. Then, over the course of weeks and months, the pain keeps worsening. Your skin color and/or texture may change. Besides, stiffness may also develop in the muscles of the affected area.
With the onset of the third stage, it becomes difficult to move the affected limb and the pain level is increased as well. What’s more, the limb can also get permanently flexed. And due to lack of movement, the patient starts experiencing the issue of muscle atrophy.
Thus, when your pain and inflammation don’t go away even after the apparent healing or recovery from an injury, fracture, cut, or burn, reach out to Orlando Pain solutions for complex regional pain syndrome treatment. Whether you need a sympathetic block or a spinal cord stimulator to help with CRPS pain, you can place your trust in us. So, don’t delay anymore.
