For many of the 200,000 individuals or more in the US suffering from complex regional pain syndrome, both the onset of the condition and following symptoms can be confounding. While Type 2 CRPS (also known as causalgia) is usually more defined and presents itself after direct damage to the nerves, Type 1 (also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome) may occur after a trauma such as a car accident. Commons injuries often include minor sprains or fractures, but they may have already healed in entirety by the time CRPS symptoms arise, seemingly out of nowhere. If you have CRPS, you may have felt both frustrated and shocked after adjusting to a previous injury and then recuperating, only to have an even more uncomfortable and possible long-term chronic condition arise.

CRPS can include a variety of symptoms, with chronic pain being the most difficult to deal with. This may include burning in the affected limb (or limbs, although usually just one is affected), accompanied by possible swelling too. Symptoms vary in severity, but burning pain is sometimes described as intolerable, and the area may be extremely sensitive to touch and temperature as well. Changes to and discoloration in the skin is often a telltale sign of CRPS too, whether extremely pale or even bluish or pink. Hair may begin to grow abnormally on the affected limb too, along with tightening of the muscles and cramping.

If you have been experiencing substantial pain with CRPS, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious about moving or walking and bringing on discomfort. That can be a vicious cycle as mobility is painful, but without exercise muscles will atrophy. Dystonia is also a possibility, as fingers or toes become paralyzed in an abnormal position.

There is not a formal test for CRPS, but it can be narrowed down by ruling out other diseases with similar symptoms like Lyme disease, and then further diagnosed with CTs, MRIs, or bone scans. Depending on your pain, treatment could be as simple as ibuprofen or something stronger. Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed, along with nerve blockers—and a range of therapies could be suggested, even including alternative methods like biofeedback or mirror therapy.

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz Law 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 Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.