We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Involved in CRPS Treatment?

By B. Chisholm
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,603
Share

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a syndrome of intense pain, usually in an arm, leg, hand or foot. The exact mechanism of the pain is not fully understood, and therefore CRPS treatment is more symptomatic than curative. Depending on the severity, cause of the pain, and symptoms, CRPS treatment may include non-drug treatments and a range of drugs to treat symptoms, or a combination thereof.

Usually CRPS is an aftereffect of a previous injury or surgery where nerve damage has occurred. It results in severe pain, usually only in one limb. It may also cause extreme sensitivity of the skin to even the lightest touch or change in temperature. The pain may become so severe that it is debilitating to the point of loss of function of the affected part of the body.

CRPS treatment is often a process of trial and error, and a number of different treatments may be used before the best one is found. Non-drug therapy may include physiotherapy, hot or cold compression, electrical pulse therapy and visualization exercises. It is important, especially where CRPS has caused loss of function, that treatment incorporates strengthening exercises to prevent further loss of function and bone loss.

A number of different classes of drugs may be used in CRPS treatment. The choice will be made by the treating doctor and will depend on numerous factors, including severity and other conditions or medications of the specific patient. Drug treatment is used to treat the symptoms, as there is no known cure for CRPS.

Topical or oral analgesics, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), antidepressants or anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, and nerve-blocking medicine like anesthetics may be used to treat the pain. In some cases corticosteroids may be used that reduce swelling and allow for more free movement of the affected limb. Treatment may be chronic, and prescribed dosages should never be exceeded.

In some unresponsive cases, spinal cord stimulation may be tried. This may involve the insertion of a tiny device into the spinal column that releases electrical stimuli. This method has showed some success in some patients.

CRPS treatment is a multi-pronged process and differs from patient to patient. It may involve a number of health-care workers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and neurologists, all of whom will work in consultation with each other. People suffering from CRPS may become depressed or anxious, and mental health should also be watched closely and treated if necessary.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-involved-in-crps-treatment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.