Complex regional pain syndrome affects around 200,000 known patients in the US, but it often takes a significant amount of time to diagnose this unique condition centered around central nervous system damage. Unfortunately, symptoms—and the pain—can be chronic and severe, causing those who suffer from CRPS to make substantial adjustments to their lives. Symptoms often begin in a limb that was affected by a previous injury.  In many cases, the CRPS patient may have been in a car accident that caused trauma such as a broken arm or leg, or just a sprain. In more moderate cases, there may have just been bruising. Because so often the original injury has already healed and come and gone, individuals who suddenly find themselves suffering from CRPS are painfully surprised.

There are numerous unique and painful issues which may arise, such as allodynia. This fibromyalgic pain is not just restricted to CRPS; in fact, it may be seen in other conditions such as shingles and chronic fatigue syndrome—all related to central nervous system complications. Nerves become overly sensitive, and this may be so severe in topical areas such as the skin that the patient cannot tolerate any contact at all. To put the pain in perspective for those not familiar with what CRPS feels like, imagine being in severe discomfort just because your arm or leg was exposed to a slight breeze! Allodynia is also commonly caused by touch, as well as friction from clothing that is usually not uncomfortable. Mild temperature changes may also cause pain.

Burning and other issues with the skin may cause initial discomfort with CRPS also, to include discoloration, swelling, and even unusual hair growth. Skin may appear glossy in texture, and sensitivity may be so severe that the patient cannot tolerate any contact of any sort in that area—not even that of a slight breeze. Joints may ache, and using muscles surrounding the area of the affected limb can often be so agonizing that the patient becomes reluctant to use them, resulting in atrophy.

Painkillers that can be applied directly to the skin may be recommended for relief, to include Lidocaine or over-the-counter creams. For other symptoms, doctors may prescribe OTC pain relievers as well as opioids, corticosteroids, nerve-blockers, and more.

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.