COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS)
What is it and what are my treatment options?
What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complicated condition that is not yet fully understood. CRPS is chronic pain that usually continues after a seemingly minor injury but the pain is not in proportion with the original injury. CRPS often affects the arms or legs and you may feel like the arm or leg is persistently in pain for no reason at all. The pain may be localized to one of the limbs or seem to “jump” from limb to limb.
The research into CRPS has shown that the cause of CRPS related pain is a neurological condition in which the brain continues to transmit pain signals to an area even after the injury has healed.
CRPS can have many symptoms and these symptoms may be intermittent, but the symptoms can include:
- Chronic pain, throbbing or burning in the limbs
- Sensitivity to cold or touch
- Swelling in the painful area
- Changes in skin temperature around the painful area
- Discoloration, pale skin or skin thinning around the painful area
- Muscle spasms or stiffness around the painful area
The Board Certified Neurologists at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands of patients with CRPS live an active and healthy lifestyle using a variety of treatment options.
How is CRPS Treated?
Some research has shown that patients who are treated earlier have higher rates of remission and long term pain relief. Your OrthoNeuro Neurologist may recommend a variety of treatment options for CRPS based on your unique symptoms and medical history.
These treatments can include:
- Pain relieving medications
- Anti-seizure or anticonvulsant medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Bone loss medications
- Physical therapy
- Sympathetic nerve block injections
- Intravenous ketamine
- Spinal cord stimulator implant
- Intrathecal drug pump implant
Many of these treatments may be used in combination with one another to reduce pain and reduce flare-ups.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Neurological Specialist Today!
- If you have been experiencing the symptoms of CRPS, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Neurologists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
- We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.
- Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.
Meet Our Specialists
Desmond J. Stutzman, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Ryan D. Klinefelter, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Gary M. Millard, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
James C. Cassandra, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Scott P. Stephens, MD
Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon
Nicholas A. Cheney, DO, FAOAO
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Jeffrey E. Gittins, DO
Orthopedic Surgeon
