Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
(RSD – Reflex Sympethetic Dystrophy)
Complex regional pain syndrome (new name) is a progressive disease that often involves the foot and ankle. It is nerve related pain and symptoms.The disorder can spread to other parts of the body.
CRPS is caused by dysfunction of the nervous system and can cause severe pain and disability in the affected areas. It used to be called RSD – Reflex Sympethetic Dystrophy.
There are 2 types of CRPS. Type 1 involves no injury to a nerve, whereas type 2 shows clear signs of nerve damage. The exact cause of CRPS remains unknown, however often injury and sometimes even surgery, can be the event that lead to CRPS development.
CRPS effects people of all ages but usually strikes during middle age and is 3 times more common in females. Risk factors include peripheral nerve injury, cigarette smoking, and having a “type A” personality.
CRPS nerve pain symptoms begin near the site of an injury. Usually the injury or surgery has been minor, as with an ankle sprain, with no expectation of much pain or long lasting effects.
Patients describe symptoms such as burning, tingling, and shooting pains. Local muscle spasms, swelling, sweating, cold and hot skin, and redness are commonly reported. The nerve pain worsens.
A diagnosis of CRPS can also be made based on a history of pain levels much greater than expected given the original injury diagnosis. In some cases, CRPS is a diagnosis of exclusion, since at times there is no actual nerve injury or damage.
This condition can be difficult to treat. Early recognition and treatment is key to providing maximum relief .
Physical therapy, various medications and injections are used in treatment More invasive treatments and pain specialists are sometimes needed.
Treatments are most effective when begun early.
Call your Podiatric Physicians, Dr Superstein or Dr Bouldin, if you think you may need an evaluation for nerve pain or CRPS.