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Alternative names
CRPS; RSDS; Causalgia; Shoulder-hand syndrome; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome; Sudeck's atrophyDefinition Return to top
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain syndrome with two forms. CRPS 1 currently replaces the term "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome". It is a chronic nerve disorder that occurs most often in the arms or legs after a minor or major injury.
CRPS 1 is associated with severe pain; changes in the nails, bone, and skin; and an increased sensitivity to touch in the affected limb. CRPS 2 replaces the term causalgia, and results from an identified injury to the nerve.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
CRPS often develops after an injury or infection that has occurred in an arm or leg. It can also occur after heart attacks and strokes. However, the condition can sometimes appear without obvious injury to the affected limb.
The cause of CRPS is not completely understood. It is thought to result from damage to the nervous system, including the nerves that control the blood vessels and sweat glands.
The damaged nerves are no longer able to properly control blood flow, sensation, and temperature to the affected area. This leads to medical problems in the nerves, blood vessels, skin, bones, and muscles.
This condition is more common in people between the ages of 40-60, but has been seen in younger people too.
Symptoms Return to top
In most cases CRPS has 3 stages. Often, however, CRPS does not follow this progression. Some people go into the later stages almost immediately. Others remain in Stage 1 indefinitely.
Stage 1 (lasts 1-3 months)
Stage 2 (lasts 3-6 months)
Stage 3 (irreversible changes become evident)
Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnosing CRPS can be difficult, but early diagnosis is very important. Often, the symptoms are severe compared to the original trauma or injury.
It is possible to make a diagnosis based on a medical history and physical examination. The key complaint is the severe, burning pain. Additional tests may include x-rays, bone scans, nerve conduction studies, and thermography (a test to show temperature changes and lack of blood supply in the painful area of the affected limb).
Treatment Return to top
Treatment should be started as early as possible. This may prevent the disease from progressing. Treatment usually includes a combination of therapies, such as:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outlook is better with an early diagnosis. If the condition is recognized within the first stage, sometimes it may go into remission and normal movement will be possible with minimal changes. However, if it is not diagnosed quickly, deteriorating changes in the bone and muscle may develop rapidly and become irreversible.Complications Return to top
When the disease progresses, the complications include further deterioration of the affected limb, or the spread of the disease to another part of the body.
In addition, there are possible complications associated with some of the nerve and surgical treatments.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
You should contact your health care provider if you develop constant, burning pain in an arm, leg, hand, or foot.Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention at this time, but early treatment is key to limiting progression of the disease. Update Date: 5/20/2004 Updated by: Carlos E. Lesmes MD, Department of Anesthesiology, Hertzlia Medical Center, Hertzlia on Sea, Israel. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |