Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Also called: CRPS, Causalgia, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy Summary Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition. It causes intense pain, usually in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. It may happen after an injury, either to a nerve or to tissue in the affected area. Rest and time may only make it worse. Symptoms in the affected area are Dramatic changes in skin temperature, color, or texture Intense burning pain Extreme skin sensitivity Swelling and stiffness in affected joints Decreased ability to move the affected body part The cause of CRPS is unknown. There is no specific diagnostic test. Your doctor will diagnose CRPS based on your signs and symptoms. There is no cure. It can get worse over time, and may spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally it goes away, either temporarily or for good. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain, and can include medicines, physical therapy, and nerve blocks. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Causalgia National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Complex Regional Pain Syndromes National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy National Institutes of Health Start Here Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Complex Regional Pain Syndrome American Academy of Family Physicians Complex Regional Pain Syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Array Complex regional pain syndrome Spinal cord stimulation Treatments and Therapies Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS) American Society for Surgery of the Hand Find an Expert National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America Journal Articles Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
