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Although most cases of CRPS recover over time on their own, some people might suffer a prolonged period of excess pain. However, this condition is treatable, and early diagnosis can improve the chances of faster recovery. To learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment, read on.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neurological disorder characterised by prolonged pain in the arms or legs due to a dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system, often induced by an injury, fracture, or surgery.
Based on the causes, there are mainly two types of complex regional pain syndrome, namely, Type I and Type II.
Type I CRPS can take place due to an injury or illness that does not directly affect the nerve. This type was previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
However, this condition can also develop due to injuries or trauma, such as surgeries, triggering nerve damage.
In this category, direct and distinct nerve damage results in the CRPS condition. Previously, it was known as causalgia. The damage can occur from external injuries such as fractures or major and minor trauma like surgeries, heart attacks, etc.
Other than these, CRPS can also be acute, i.e. short-term or chronic, i.e. prolonged periods longer than six months.
The signs and symptoms and their extent in CRPS vary from person to person.
In most cases, the symptoms start showing after 3-6 weeks post-injury or surgery. However, it can also develop without an identified cause.
The following are the most common CRPS symptoms:
The underlying cause behind CRPS disease is damage to the nerve fibres. This can occur due to direct damage to the nerves or from conditions or injuries triggering it.
In most cases, CRPS is caused by nerve trauma from an affected limb which causes damage to the thinnest sensory and autonomic fibres. As a result, they transmit pain or heat signals to the brain.
The most common injury that causes nerve damage triggering CRPS is bone fractures (mainly in the wrist). Therefore, damage can either occur from a displaced bone or from the pressure of the tight cast.
In addition, several other injuries can also lead to this condition, such as:
The significant risk factors of complex regional pain syndrome are as follows:
Gender: CRPS can affect people of any gender but are more frequent in females than males.
Age: Elders, around the peak age of 40 years, are more likely to be affected by CRPS than younger populations or children.
Other factors that may increase the risk of CRPS are:
Factors affecting nerve health: People who have health conditions such as diabetes or neuropathy are more susceptible to CRPS. This is because their nerves have low resilience and have difficulty repairing damaged cells. In addition, the effects of chemotherapy may also reduce the capacity for nerve regeneration.
Poor immune system: Immune system plays a significant role in inflammation. Therefore, if your body produces more inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines, it can trigger CRPS symptoms. In addition, people with inflammatory conditions such as asthma or autoimmune diseases may also be at a higher risk.
Genetics: According to various studies, genetics play a huge role in developing CRPS, as well as recovering from it.
Complex regional pain syndrome does not have a specific test. However, the most common CRPS diagnosis approaches include the following:
CRPS for mild or early cases mostly recovers on its own. However, it is best to start early to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.
The primary complex regional pain syndrome treatment procedures include therapy, medication, and supportive care.
There are various classes of medications used in CRPS treatment. They include:
Here are a few tips that can help you with better management of complex regional pain syndrome:
Complex regional pain syndrome affects the quality of life severely. Those suffering from prolonged pain are primarily affected mentally. It is characterised mainly by depression, denial, anger and frustration.
Furthermore, conditions of anxiety and depression can worsen the pain over time, creating a loop if not addressed or treated. Many people can also have prolonged disabilities leading to atrophy or contracture.
Now that you have a clearer idea about what a complex regional pain syndrome is, it will be easier for you to identify its symptoms and seek help accordingly. You must note that chronic pain conditions such as CRPS have the best chances of recovery if treated at the earliest. Therefore, if you notice any critical signs or symptoms, consult a professional immediately.
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Disclaimer #2: This information is added only for informative purposes and collected from different sources across the Internet. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the information before making any decisions.
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