When pain begins to cause color changes to your skin and increases your sensitivity to simple things such as touch, it may be a sign of CRPS. This condition may result from other painful conditions like a stroke or triggered by forceful trauma to your legs. Hyattsville anesthesiology can block your nerves from the pain and offer you the relief you may so much need. Read on to learn more.
What is Complex Region Pain Syndrome?
This condition affects the hands, legs, and arms, causing intense burning pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. You may develop CPRS after surgery, heart attack, injury, or stroke, and it may be painful depending on how severe your first injury was. You may have either of the following types of CRPS:
Type 1
This type may occur after an injury or illness that may not have damaged your nerves directly. It is very common and may also be known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Type 2
It may have similar symptoms to Type 1, but it happens after a distinct nerve injury.
You may not necessarily develop CRPS after having any of the above injuries. There is no known cause of CRPS.
What are the symptoms of CRPS?
You may develop these signs and symptoms to indicate the possibility of CRPS, including:
- Continuous burning pain in your arms, legs, and hands
- Stiffness and swelling
- Skin texture and color changes
- Sensitivity to cold or touch
Your symptoms may vary and change as time passes, but pain, swelling, and color changes may be the first noticeable signs. You may experience nail and skin changes, muscle spasms, and tightening. Once you develop these signs, your condition becomes irreversible. Your symptoms may disappear independently, but you should visit your doctor if they persist.
What are the available diagnosis and treatment options for CRPS?
Your doctor may ask questions about your medical history and check your symptoms in the affected area. You may feel severe pain at the slightest touch. Your doctor may also carry out imah=ging tests and scans to come up with a proper diagnosis. There may be no single diagnostic test for CRPS. Your doctor may carry out different exams before confirming a diagnosis. CRPS can be treated, and there are the following treatment options:
Nonsurgical treatment
These treatments may include:
- Medications
You may need medications to help relieve your symptoms; pain killers, corticosteroids, or bone-loss medications.
- Injection therapy
Your doctor may suggest injecting an anesthetic around your affected nerves to reduce symptoms and prevent further progression of the condition to advanced stages.
- Biofeedback
Your doctor may increase your awareness and give you techniques to help relieve pain in your body.
CPRS may recur even after treatment, especially if you have exposure to intense stress, but you may treat it with antidepressants or other appropriate medications. You may also seek counseling services to help you cope with the pain to keep a physically and mentally healthy life. Do not let pain hold you down; visit Choice Pain & Rehabilitation Center today for services or request your appointment online.
