The exact cause of complex regional pain syndrome isn't well understood but may involve abnormal inflammation or nerve dysfunction.
Complex regional pain is characterized by pain that is greater than would be expected from the injury that causes it.
Treatment usually consists of medications, heat or cold therapy, physical therapy, and biofeedback.
Rare
Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging not required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
Complex regional pain syndrome is uncommon, and its cause isn’t clearly understood. Treatment is most effective when started early. In such cases, improvement and even remission are possible.
The exact cause is not known.
- It commonly results after injuries like fractures, cuts, burns, or sprains, or a surgery
- It can occur after a heart attack or a stroke
- It might be due to abnormal inflammation or dysfunctional nervous system
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