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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) - CPRS
General
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is chronic pain that typically affects the arm or leg. It is usually triggered by an injury, surgery, stroke or a heart attack. The cause for the unproportionate pain is not fully understood, it’s thought that it could have to do with abnormality or injury to the nervous system. Over time, CRPS can cause muscle tightening and tissue wasting, causing decreased ability to move the affected body part.
435 people with Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Learn from others who are experiencing Reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms of CRPS include burning sensations in the arm, leg, hand or goor as well as sensitivity to temperatures, swelling, skin color and texture changes, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, spasms, tremors and atrophy. There could also be a decreased ability to move the affected body part.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is mainly done upon findings from medical history and physical examination. There is no specific test for CRPS, but bone scan, sweat production tests, X-ray, and MRI could direct us to the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment often includes a combination of medications such as pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, bone-loss medications and other therapies including heat therapy, topical analgesics, physical and occupational therapy, mirror therapy, TENS, biofeedback, spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug pumps/
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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