About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Do you have chronic, burning pain? The cause may be complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS can develop in a limb when an injury or surgery involves nerve damage. The pain can be severe, but our therapies have helped thousands of people around the world manage their chronic pain.¹

Definition

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that most often affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Complex regional pain syndrome is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia.

Causes

Complex regional pain syndrome usually develops in a limb after an injury (such as a broken bone) or surgery that may have involved nerve damage.

Symptoms

The overriding symptom is extreme pain, frequently described as burning. Other symptoms can include:

• Sensitivity to touch
• Skin changes
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Decreased function of the hand/foot

Diagnosis

Your doctor may base a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome on:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Bone scan
• Nervous system tests
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

References

1. Medtronic data on file.

Section Navigation

• About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Additional information