Broken Arm or Leg After Car Accident Could Be Precursor to CRPS

Complex regional pain syndrome affects nearly 200,000 in the US, and as the name would imply, many of those suffering from the condition are forced to live with severe discomfort. A wide range of symptoms is associated with CRPS, and it can be hard to diagnose as well as treat. Patients are usually surprised at the onset of CRPS as it generally follows another—and often milder—health issue. It may be triggered by a trauma such as a car accident, where a common injury like a broken arm or leg was sustained. Both the nervous and immune system are affected, causing pain, along with:

• Burning and redness
• Numbness and tingling
• Changes in the skin to include discoloration and difference in texture
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle spasms and abnormal movement to include tremors, jerking
• Dystonia, leaving hands or feet fixed in a stiff position

The patient is usually unaware of CRPS in the beginning, and medical professionals may have to rule out a number of other health problems before settling on the CRPS diagnosis as there is no specific test for it yet. CTs, MRIs, and bone scans are often helpful in diagnostics. Once CRPS has been diagnosed, the patient may be put on a regimen of corticosteroids, pain relievers, topical anesthetic creams, or other medications. Along with that, physical therapy may be required.

CRPS can change an individual’s life significantly. While before they may have been active and healthy, the condition can cause them to fear being mobile due to resulting pain. They may also be in too much pain overall to live like they used too. With their quality of life suddenly seriously diminished, those suffering from CRPS may become depressed. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants as well as suggesting the help of a mental health professional or therapist on a regular basis to help them deal with the adjustment.

Type 1 CRPS can also be caused by surgeries, medical procedures (some of which may be extremely mild), and injuries to soft tissue that may be caused by burns or other accidents. The rarer Type 2 usually affects the nerves directly, with the cause being known (rather than occurring as a surprise or a bit of a mystery later) after an obvious injury.

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz today to consult with a skilled CRPS lawyer. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.