Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Alternate Names : Causalgia, CRPS, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, RSDS, Shoulder-Hand Syndrome, Sudeck's Atrophy
Symptoms & Signs
In most cases CRPS has 3 stages. Often, however, CRPS does not follow this progression. Some people go into the later stages almost immediately. Others remain in Stage 1 indefinitely.
Stage 1 (lasts 1-3 months)
- Severe burning, aching pain increasing with the slightest touch or breeze
- Swelling with warmth or coolness
- Skin becomes dry and thin, changes color
- Increased nail and hair growth
- Pain may move further up or down the affected limb
Stage 2 (lasts 3-6 months)
- Swelling spreads
- Noticeable changes in skin texture and color
- Decreased hair growth
- Changes in bone seen in X-rays
- Stiff muscles and joints
Stage 3 (irreversible changes become evident)
- Pain may exist in the entire limb
- Permanent tissue changes
- Muscle wasting
- Limited mobility in limb
- Contractions involving muscles and tendons
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