Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What it is

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition causing intense pain, usually in the arms, hands, legs or feet. It may follow an injury to a nerve or to tissue in the affected area. Rest and time may only make it worse.

Symptoms in the affected area

• dramatic changes in skin temperature, color or texture;
• intense burning pain;
• extreme sensitivity of the skin;
• swelling and stiffness in affected joints;
• less ability to move the affected part.

Cause and diagnosis

• The cause of CRPS is unknown.
• There is no specific test; doctors diagnose it from your signs and symptoms.

Outlook and treatment

• There is no cure. CRPS can worsen over time and may spread to other parts of the body.
• Occasionally, symptoms go away — for a while or for good.
• Treatment aims to relieve the pain, and can include medicines, physical therapy and nerve blocks.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; a work of the United States government in the public domain.