Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic progressive disease characterized by severe pain, swelling and changes in the skin in the involved region. Depending on presence or absence of nerve involvement it can be on of the two types.

Type I

It was formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Sudeck’s atrophy, reflex neurovascular dystrophy or algoneurodystrophy. This type does not have a demonstrable nerve lesions.

Type II

It was formerly known as causalgia and is associated with obvious nerve damage.

Exact cause of this syndrome is not known. Injury and surgery are known predisposing factors but cases  can occur without these factors too. wrist fractures and are quite commonly associated with CRPS.
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Clinical Presentation

The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome are usually spread beyond the original area of injury.It may involve the entire limb and sometimes other limb too.

The most common complaint is that of overall are burning and shooting pain. The pain is continuous and may be aggravated by emotional stress. [Read more...]