INFORMATION ON COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a constant pain syndrome with two forms. Complex regional pain syndrome currently substitutes the term "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome". It is a constant nerve problem that holds most often in the arms or legs after a minor or major wound.

CAUSES OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

Complex regional pain syndrome often enlarges after an injury or infection that has occurred in an arm or leg. It can also take place after heart attacks and strokes. However, the condition may sometimes appear without obvious injury to the exaggerated limb.

The cause of  Complex regional pain syndrome is not completely known. It seems to result from damage to the nervous system, including the nerves which control the blood vessels and sweat glands.

The damaged nerves are not able to control blood flow properly, sensation, and temperature to the involved area. This leads to medical problems in the nerves, bones, muscles and skin.
This type of condition is common in people between the ages of 40 to 60, but has been seen in younger people too.

SYMPTOMS OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

In most cases Complex regional pain syndrome has 3 stages. Often, however, Complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS) does not proceed with this progression. Some people go into the later stages almost directly. Others are left in Stage 1 indefinitely.

Stage 1 Complex regional pain syndrome

(lasts for 1-3 months)
• Severe burning, aching pain increases with the slightest touch
• Swelling with coolness or warmth
• Skin becomes dry and thinand it changes color
• Increased in nails and hair growth
• Pain can move further up or down on the affected limb

Stage 2 Complex regional pain syndrome

(lasts for 3-6 months)
• Swelling spreads frequently
• Noticeable changes occurs in skin texture and color
• Hair growth decreases
• Changes in bone is seen in X-rays
• Muscles and joints becomes stiff

Stage 3 Complex regional pain syndrome

(irreversible changes become clear)
• Pain can exist in the full limb
• Permanent tissue modify
• Wasting of muscles
• Contractions involving muscles and ligaments
Depression or changes in mood may go along with these symptoms, especially in stage 3.

TREATMENT OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME

Treatment should be started as soon as position. This may stop the disease from increasing. Treatment generally includes a mixture of therapies, such as:
• Medicines -- pain medicines, steroids, blood pressure medicines that work on the sympathetic nervous system.
• heat and cold applications.
• TENS (trancutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) unit is used.
• Nerve blocks (by injecting medicine to numb the affected nerves or pain fibers which is surrounded by the spinal column)
• Surgical sympathetomy (radical surgery that involves cutting the nerves to tear out the pain)