Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition of the nervous system that causes debilitating pain. While researchers do not fully understand the cause of CRPS, treatment is available. If you have intense, unexplained pain, consider booking an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Nomen Azeem at Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, at any of the three convenient locations in Riverview or Wesley Chapel, Florida, to find out if you might have CRPS.
CRPS is a chronic condition involving damage to or the malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous system. Your central nervous system is made up of your brain and spinal cord, while your peripheral nervous system comprises all the other nerves in your body, which send and receive signals from the central nervous system.
There are two types of CRPS:
Experts don’t know why some people develop CRPS and others don’t. About 90% of cases of CRPS are categorized as CRPS-II and are associated with a previous injury. Injuries that can lead to CRPS are varied and include:
Anyone at any age can develop CRPS, but it is more common in women and people around the age of 40; it is least common in elderly people and children.
Constant pain is the most common symptom of CRPS, especially in your arm, leg, hand, or foot. Other symptoms include:
There is no cure for CRPS, but there are treatments that can address the symptoms and relieve the pain.
Physical therapy, psychotherapy, and pharmacological treatments are successful for some people. If those approaches are unsuccessful, Dr. Azeem may suggest:
In serious cases, Dr. Azeem may recommend surgery.
If you’re living with unexplained, debilitating pain, book an appointment with Dr. Azeem for a consultation to start down a path to a more comfortable life.