Causes

The actual cause of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is not known. While many people develop CRPS in similar ways or have common symptoms, there is no one reason for the disease. Experts agree that almost all CRPS begins after mild to severe trauma such as an injury. Something as simple as a sprain can lead to CRPS. In addition, a person may get CRPS after surgery, a heart attack, a stroke or an infection. People with nerve disorders like multiple sclerosis or chronic pain conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can get CRPS. CRPS can start immediately after a traumatic event or up to weeks later. Some people get CRPS but cannot remember any illness or injury that could have caused it.

CRPS-II may develop when you injure a nerve in your limb after trauma from a gunshot wound and crush injury. Limbs with nerve injuries often feel numb and tingling. You may also feel sharp, shooting and aching pain in the area of the injured nerve. Pain caused by a nerve injury is called “neuropathic” pain. CRPS is likely to occur when that pain spreads to other parts of the limb and beyond, and the nervous system becomes disordered.