Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Specialist in Flowood, MS

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition that typically occurs in someone’s arm, hand, leg, or foot following an injury, such as a fracture. Occasionally, it can also affect other areas, like the face.

The intensity of symptoms can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, and the duration may span from months to years. While the exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, the primary objective of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and restore normal function to the affected limb, encompassing movement and daily activities.

The exact cause of CRPS remains difficult to distinguish with certainty. This condition, however, can be sparked by damage to nerve fibers within injured tissue. The risk of developing this syndrome is heightened among smokers. An autoimmune factor might contribute, given that individuals with CRPS have displayed autoantibodies, these are antibodies that target normal tissue, specifically nerve cells.

Experts propose that in CRPS, nerves become hyper-sensitive, amplifying typical pain signals into heightened sensations of pain. CRPS can emerge at any age, and its occurrence is not limited by age, however, it is fairly uncommon.

Typically triggered by an injury or a related event, CRPS emerges after incidents like trauma, fractures, infections, surgeries, strokes, or even the use of plaster casts. The initial injury precipitating CRPS is often mild compared to the ensuing pain it triggers.

Nevertheless, the syndrome can also arise following more severe injuries or instances of paralysis. Interestingly, the pain often extends beyond the immediate injury site.

CRPS primarily presents with pain as its key symptom, often concentrated in an arm or leg; this pain tends to localize around areas that have undergone surgery or experienced injury in the past.

The sensation is characterized by its constant presence, manifesting as sharp, shooting, or burning discomfort. Remarkably, the severity and duration of this pain surpass what one would typically anticipate from the initial injury. While some individuals might not have a preceding injury or surgery linked to the pain’s onset, a majority do.

CRPS-related pain takes on diverse forms. It can emerge spontaneously or without provocation, and it may remain persistent or fluctuate in response to activity. It might also evoke the feeling of constriction in the affected limb. If nerve inflammation persists over time, the pain’s scope can widen to encompass a larger portion of the arm or leg, even if the original site was smaller. Notably, heightened sensitivity often arises in the affected area, rendering light touch, routine contact, and movement acutely painful. Other potential symptoms include joint stiffness and diminished muscle strength.

Diagnosing CRPS doesn’t rely on a single definitive test. Instead, it involves a process of excluding conditions that share similar symptoms. Diagnostic procedures often incorporate imaging tests to aid in the assessment.

A bone scan can be instrumental in identifying potential bone alterations that may suggest a cause. During the course of this procedure, a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, enabling the visualization of bones through a specialized camera.

Later stages of the disease might reveal mineral loss from bones, which can become apparent through X-ray imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans yield images that can highlight tissue changes that help rule out alternative conditions.

Alongside these imaging techniques, a physical examination conducted by a healthcare provider plays a significant role in identifying physical indicators of CRPS. This evaluation might encompass observations of swelling and alterations in the temperature and appearance of the skin.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) treatment is available at Jackson Pain Center. We are conveniently located at 1 Layfair Drive, Suite 400 Flowood, MS 39232. For more information, contact us or book an appointment now! We serve patients from Flowood MS, Jackson MS, Pearl MS, Richland MS, Ridgeland MS, Langford MS, Brandon MS and surrounding areas.