November is CRPS Awareness Month
Understanding, Supporting and Raising Awareness
November is CRPS Awareness Month! Raising awareness of this condition helps enhance early diagnosis, access to proper treatment, and support for those coping with the many challenges of living with CRPS.
Understanding CRPS
What is CRPS?
CRPS — otherwise known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome — is a complex chronic condition that causes pain in the arms, hands, legs or feet. Although the exact cause of CRPS is unknown, it typically develops after a major injury or surgery.
What does CRPS do to the brain?
CRPS affects the brain by altering how it processes pain signals. This can lead to heightened sensitivity, where even light touch or minor stimuli feel intensely painful. The condition also impacts emotional regulation and can contribute to anxiety or depression due to the intense and chronic nature of the pain.
How do you get CRPS?
CRPS often develops following physical trauma. This can include things like fractures, sprains or surgeries. In some cases, however, it can arise without a clear injury. Because the condition involves abnormal responses in the nervous system, including overactive pain pathways and inflammation, there’s not always a singular clear cause.
Is CRPS considered a permanent disability?
While CRPS can be managed, it is often considered a long-term or permanent condition. Its severity varies, and in some cases, it significantly impairs daily activities, qualifying as a disability. That’s why early, consistent treatment is recommended to improve quality of life.
Types of CRPS
What is the difference between CRPS Type 1 and Type 2?
The main difference is that CRPS Type 1 occurs without evidence of specific nerve damage while CRPS Type 2 is directly linked to identifiable nerve injury. Both types share similar symptoms, but the underlying cause is what differentiates the two.
CRPS Type 1
Type 1 CRPS develops after an injury or trauma but without any specific nerve damage. 90% of people diagnosed with CRPS have Type 1, making it the most common form of the condition.
Common symptoms of CRPS Type 1 include:
- Burning or throbbing sensations
- Hypersensitivity to temperature and touch
- Swelling and stiffness
- Skin discoloration, thinning or shininess
- Changes in hair or nail growth
- Decreased motor function
CRPS Type 2
Type 2 CRPS also develops following an injury or trauma but unlike Type 1, it is associated with nerve damage. Symptoms are similar to Type 1 including intense pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature.
How is CRPS diagnosed?
CRPS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination and taking time to systematically rule out other conditions. Physicians may use imaging studies — like X-rays or MRIs — alongside tests like thermography to detect changes in temperature and blood flow in the affected area.
Treatment for CRPS
CRPS cannot be fully reversed, but symptoms can be managed with the proper treatment.
At Nura, we use a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each individual’s symptoms and overall health. Comprehensive pain management strategies like physical therapy, medications, nerve blocks and behavioral health support can really make a difference to relieve CRPS pain.
Options may include:
Real people, real stories
A Patient Success Story
A CRPS diagnosis can feel daunting and leave you searching for answers. At Nura, we can help answer those questions and have successfully treated people with CRPS – just like we did for one particular patient. As a teenager, this patient fractured their wrist which led to painful symptoms – a constant burning sensation in the wrist and forearm, sensitivity to touch, and overall decreased movement in the arm – ultimately resulting in a case of Type 1 CRPS. After trying different conservative treatment options, Nura was able to effectively provide pain relief by implanting a pain pump and administering stellate ganglion blocks intermittently.
Now, this patient reports significant pain relief and is back to working full-time. They have also recently started a family. Stories like this can provide hope for those who may feel alone in their pain management journey.
Read MoreHow to Raise Awareness and Offer Support
Raising awareness starts with kindness, understanding and support. By recognizing the impact of CRPS, we can foster empathy and improve the lives of those affected by this challenging condition.
How does CRPS affect daily life?
CRPS can disrupt daily activities by causing constant pain, limited mobility and emotional distress. Tasks like walking, writing or holding objects may become challenging. Supporting someone with CRPS means being patient, offering practical help and validating their experiences.
What not to say to someone with CRPS?
- “It’s just in your head.”
- “You should push through the pain.”
- “You don’t look sick.”
- “It could be worse.”
Instead, offer statements like, “I’m here to support you,” or, “How can I help today?”
Relief from CRPS isn’t far away
CRPS Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding and advocacy. By learning more about CRPS, sharing this information and supporting those affected, you can make a meaningful difference.
If you’ve been dealing with pain that feels inexplicable and would like to talk to a professional about pain relief contact us today.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
