Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Specialist Q&A

Complex regional pain syndrome can go away on its own. However, it is far from a guarantee that this will happen in any given case, as CRPS is a chronic condition with no known cure and symptoms that can remain or get worse over time. As such, if you have CRPS, it is a good idea to seek medical attention to help with pain management and relief.

There are two types of complex regional pain syndrome, referred to as Type-1 CRPS and Type-2 CRPS. With Type-1 CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), the syndrome occurs due to an infection, trauma, or injury that does not directly damage the nerves. Examples of such injuries could include a frozen shoulder, torn rotator cuff, or an ankle sprain. In contrast, Type-2 CRPS occurs due to a direct peripheral nerve injury, which can arise through a laceration, severe bruising, electrical injury, gunshot wound, and other injuries. 

There are three clinical stages of complex regional pain syndrome classified as acute, subacute, and chronic.

The first stage of CRPS (acute CRPS) typically lasts around one to three months and can include any of the following symptoms:

• Changes in skin color, including blue, mottled, pale, or red skin
• Changes in skin temperature, such as clammy, cold, or sweaty skin
• Changes in skin texture, such as shiny, tender, or thin skin
• Heightened sensitivity to touch and temperature
• Muscle spasms, tremors, or jerks
• Rapid hair and nail growth
• Severe aching or burning pain
• Stiff and swollen joints

The second stage of CRPS (subacute CRPS) can last anywhere from three to six months and often includes the following symptoms:

• Considerable stiffness and swelling in the joints
• Continued changes in skin color, temperature, and texture
• Hair growth slows down from stage one
• Increased intensity of pain
• Nails become brittle, hard, and crack easily
• Pain spreads throughout the affected limb or to an unaffected limb
• Weakened muscles

The third stage of CRPS (chronic CRPS) can develop up to one year after stage one of CRPS and last for several years or become permanent. Common symptoms of chronic CRPS include the following:

• Atrophy or loss of function in the affected limb
• Constant or intermittent pain intensity
• Cool, dry, pale, and shiny skin

While there is no known cure for complex regional pain syndrome, a combination of medication, treatment, and psychological support can effectively and significantly reduce symptoms. With that in mind, some standard treatment options for CRPS include the following:

• Anticonvulsants for nerve pain
• Botox, or botulinum toxin, therapy
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Lumbar sympathetic or stellate ganglion nerve blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Topical creams for pain relief

While injuries, infections, and trauma to a limb or nerve can cause CRPS, it is unclear how this happens. With that being said, the vast majority of CRPS cases are triggered by nerve trauma or injury.

For more information about CRPS or to schedule an appointment with us at Modern Pain Management, we welcome you to contact us or schedule an appointment on our website! We serve patients from Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, Pearland TX, Jersey Village TX, Missouri City TX, Stafford TX, and Richmond TX. Looking forward to serving you!