November is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month, an opportunity to improve understanding of a condition that can affect movement, daily activities, and emotional well-being.
Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, often develops after an injury or surgery. The pain can be much more intense or last longer than expected for the original injury.
At Pain Consultants of East Tennessee, an evaluation can help clarify persistent symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
CRPS usually affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot. It involves changes in how the nervous system processes pain and can also affect inflammation, circulation, and movement in the area.
Symptoms vary between people and may change over time. Because other conditions can cause similar problems, a medical assessment is important.
Recognizing CRPS Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent burning, aching, or severe pain.
- Pain from light touch or contact with clothing.
- Swelling in the affected area.
- Changes in skin temperature or color.
- Unusual sweating.
- Joint stiffness or difficulty moving.
- Changes in skin texture, hair, or nail growth.
These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has CRPS. However, ongoing pain or changes that interfere with everyday activities deserve medical attention.
How Is CRPS Diagnosed?
There is no single test that definitively diagnoses CRPS.
Your clinician will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and examine the affected area. Testing may help investigate other possible causes or identify changes that support the assessment.
Seeking care promptly gives your healthcare team an opportunity to evaluate symptoms and begin appropriate treatment.
Treatment Often Involves Several Approaches
CRPS care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting function. Your treatment plan may include:
- Physical and occupational therapy: Guided rehabilitation can help with movement, sensitivity, and everyday activities. A therapist can tailor the pace to your needs.
- Medication management: Your clinician may recommend medicines based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
- Behavioral health support: Persistent pain can affect sleep, mood, and coping. Support can help address these challenges as part of comprehensive care.
- Interventional treatments: Selected nerve blocks or stimulation therapies may be appropriate for some people.
Treatment responses vary, and your care team may adjust the plan over time.
When Might Stimulation Therapy Be Considered?
For certain people whose symptoms remain difficult to manage, a specialist may discuss spinal cord stimulation or dorsal root ganglion stimulation.
DRG stimulation has an approved use for certain adults with persistent lower-limb pain associated with CRPS types I and II.
These treatments require careful evaluation. A temporary trial helps assess response before considering a permanent implant, but it cannot guarantee long-term relief.
Finding Support at PCET
CRPS Awareness Month is a reminder to take persistent pain seriously and support people living with symptoms that others may not see.
If ongoing pain limits your daily activities, call Pain Consultants of East Tennessee at (865) 579-0552 to schedule an evaluation and discuss your options.
