CRPS | Serenity Holistics

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and swelling in the affected area. The exact cause of CRPS is not well understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal responses of the nervous system.

Mechanism of Injury:

The exact mechanism of CRPS is not fully understood, but it generally follows an injury or trauma that affects the nervous system, such as:

Nerve Injury: Damage to small nerve fibers can lead to abnormal pain signals being sent to the brain.
Immune Response: The immune system may play a role, with inflammation and autoimmune responses contributing to symptoms.
Abnormal Pain Processing: The nervous system may become sensitised to pain, leading to an exaggerated pain response.
Increased Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: Abnormal function of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls blood flow and sweat glands, can lead to changes in skin colour, temperature, and sweating.

Symptoms

Intense Pain: Persistent, burning, or throbbing pain, often more severe than would be expected based on the initial injury. Pain can spread from the original injury site to the entire limb.
Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to touch (allodynia) or changes in temperature, where even light touches or mild temperature changes can cause severe pain.
Swelling: Significant swelling in the affected limb, which can change over time.
Skin Changes: The skin over the affected area may become blotchy, red, purple, pale, or excessively sweaty. The skin may also become thin or shiny.
Temperature Changes: The affected limb may feel noticeably warmer or colder than the unaffected limb.
Joint Stiffness: Decreased range of motion in the affected limb due to pain, swelling, or changes in the skin and tissues.
Muscle Weakness: The affected limb may experience muscle atrophy or weakness over time.
Abnormal Hair and Nail Growth: Changes in the growth patterns of hair and nails in the affected area.

Treatment

Medication:

NSAIDs: To reduce inflammation and manage mild pain.
Anticonvulsants and Antidepressants: Medications like gabapentin or amitriptyline may help control nerve pain.
Corticosteroids: To reduce severe inflammation and swelling.
Bisphosphonates: Sometimes used to help manage bone pain and reduce osteoporosis in the affected limb.

Physical Therapy:

Gradual Movement Therapy: Gentle exercises to improve range of motion and prevent muscle atrophy.
Desensitization Therapy: Techniques to gradually reduce sensitivity in the affected limb.
Mirror Therapy: Uses a mirror to create the visual illusion of moving the unaffected limb, which can help reduce pain in the affected limb.

In-Clinic Treatments:

Dry Needling: Targeting tight muscles and trigger points to alleviate pain and improve movement.
Ultrasound Therapy: To reduce pain and promote healing through deep tissue stimulation.
Cupping Therapy: To improve circulation and relieve pain and stiffness.
Rehabilitation Plan: Includes a structured program of physical therapy, pain management, and gradual reintroduction of normal activities to improve function and reduce pain.