Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complex pain syndrome that usually affects the arm, leg, hand or foot, it often emerges after trauma or surgery. The exact cause is not understood. The pain experienced is out of proportion to the original injury and may continue after the original injury has healed. It involves abnormal functioning of the nervous systems and leads to overreaction of pain signals.

Types of CRPS

There are two types of CRPS:

Type 1

Occurs without any direct nerve damage, often after an injury, surgery or illness. Most cases of CRPS are Type 1

Type 2

Occurs after confirmed nerve damage, for example after a traumatic dislocation or fracture where the nerve may be overstretched.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• Severe ongoing pain out of proportion to the original injury
• Swelling of the affected body part
• Skin colour changes redness, paleness or blue
• Skin temperature changes either very hot or very cold
• Skin changes sweating or dry
• Hypersensitivity to touch, clothing, sheets, shoes, heat or cold
• Changes to nail growth or hair growth
• Muscle weakness, spasm or inability to move

How is CRPS Diagnosed?

There is no single test for CRPS. All other possible conditions with similar symptoms must be excluded before the diagnosis is made. There is no single treatment and treatment options may include:

• Pain management with simple analgesia, anti-inflammatories or nerve pain medications
• Physiotherapy to maintain mobility and reduce impact of disuse
• Occupational therapy to assist with maintaining capacity for daily activities
• Psychological Supports to address the impacts of chronic pain
• Nerve blocks or stimulators for severe pain

How can Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology Help?

Physiotherapists are skilled at identifying the early signs and implementing treatments and strategies to help ease symptoms and manage pain. Physios and Exercise Physiologists are good listeners; we to listen to our clients story and develop strategies to address their individual needs. We work as a team with our patients helping them to understand their pain. We use therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, yoga, desensitization, breathing and mindfulness to help retrain the nervous system. Over time and with practice the brain’s understanding of the affected limb improves and hypersensitivity decreases. Recovery from CRPS varies. 70% of people’s symptoms improve and some recover fully within a year.