Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD)
Advanced treatment for this challenging chronic pain condition
Understanding CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe, disproportionate pain typically affecting a limb after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The condition is classified into two types: CRPS-I (without confirmed nerve injury) and CRPS-II (with confirmed nerve lesion). The hallmark of CRPS is pain that is significantly more intense and prolonged than would be expected from the initial injury, accompanied by sensory, autonomic, motor, and trophic changes.
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial, as the condition can progress through stages from acute inflammatory changes to chronic dystrophic and atrophic phases. CRPS can be severely debilitating, affecting quality of life, function, and psychological well-being.
Common Causes
Trauma or Injury
Fractures, sprains, crush injuries, or soft tissue damage triggering abnormal healing responses
Surgical Procedures
Post-operative complications following orthopedic, vascular, or other surgeries on extremities
Immobilization
Prolonged casting or immobilization leading to disuse and sympathetic dysfunction
Nerve Injury
Direct damage to peripheral nerves during trauma or medical procedures (CRPS-II)
Vascular Events
Stroke, myocardial infarction, or other conditions affecting blood flow and nerve function
Idiopathic Onset
In some cases, CRPS develops without identifiable precipitating event
Symptoms
Continuous burning, throbbing, or shooting pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
Temperature changes in affected limb
Skin color changes (red, blue, purple, or pale)
Swelling and changes in skin texture
Abnormal hair and nail growth
Decreased range of motion and weakness
Spreading of symptoms to other body parts
Advanced Treatment Options
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Stellate ganglion blocks for upper extremity or lumbar sympathetic blocks for lower extremity CRPS
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Implanted neurostimulation devices showing 70-80% success rates in reducing pain and improving function
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation
Targeted neuromodulation showing superior outcomes for lower extremity CRPS
Intravenous Bisphosphonates
Pamidronate or other bisphosphonates to reduce inflammation, particularly effective in early stages
Ketamine Infusions
Low-dose intravenous ketamine protocols to reset central sensitization
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, and desensitization techniques
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy
For patients with significant dystonia or spasticity complicating CRPS
Get Expert CRPS Treatment
Early intervention is critical for CRPS. Schedule a consultation with our specialists.