Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
What is it?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder. CRPS usually begins after trauma such as an injury to the tissue, bone or nerves of your limb (arm or leg). Although the symptoms vary greatly from one person to the next, there is one symptom that all people with CRPS have. Everyone has pain that feels much worse than you would expect for the injury and that continues long after the injury should have healed.
CRPS can make every part of your life more difficult – your family, work and social life. However, there are treatments to help you feel better and cope with the changes in your life. Every person with CRPS responds to treatment in a different way. You may have one or a combination of treatments including physical therapy, medication, and cognitive behavioral therapy. While a small number of people with CRPS are eventually cured, most will need treatment for a long time. The long-term outcome is usually better if your CRPS is diagnosed and treated early.
CRPS can make every part of your life more difficult – your family, work and social life. However, there are treatments to help you feel better and cope with the changes in your life. Every person with CRPS responds to treatment in a different way. You may have one or a combination of treatments including physical therapy, medication, and cognitive behavioral therapy. While a small number of people with CRPS are eventually cured, most will need treatment for a long time. The long-term outcome is usually better if your CRPS is diagnosed and treated early.
What are the Types of CRPS?
- CRPS-I: This is also called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). CRPS-I refers to cases of CRPS that do not involve nerve injury.
- CRPS-II: This is also called causalgia. CRPS-II refers to those CRPS cases in which one or more nerves are injured.
Who is Affected?
- CRPS is more common in women than men.
- The average age person affected by CRPS is in the mid-30s, although children and older adults can also be affected.