Complex regional pain syndrome affects around 200,000 people in the US, although those numbers could be under-reported due to misdiagnoses or others who simply have not come forth with symptoms. The condition is remarkable as it usually appears after another trauma has occurred and injuries have healed. If you have CRPS or you know someone who is suffering from this rare disease affecting the nervous system, then you understand what an unpleasant surprise it can be, developing after moderate musculoskeletal injuries, a broken bone, or a sprained ankle that may have healed.

The only good thing that could be said about CRPS is that sometimes the symptoms are moderate and stay that way, sometimes they lessen over time, and it is rare; however there are many downsides to this condition as it can cause serious, chronic pain making life very uncomfortable. Patients suffering from CRPS maybe so traumatized from the pain of trying to walk or move that they just stop doing so altogether, allowing muscles to atrophy.

Amidst all the suffering and frustration, there is an even worse element to CRPS initially, as it can be difficult to diagnose, and there is no specific test for it yet. This means that a medical professional must be experienced with the condition to know what it is right away. The symptoms can be intense and fairly obvious to a doctor who has seen CRPS before, but usually other conditions and diseases must be ruled out first; for instance, Lyme disease may present itself in a similar manner at first and must be ruled out—along with other conditions causing inflammation and affecting the nervous system.

If CRPS is suspected to be the final diagnosis, the patient may be referred to a specialist, who will then be able to start them on a regimen of medications if necessary. In some cases, CRPS is so mild that only over-the-counter remedies are required, but in others, stronger pain relievers may be called for, such as opioids. There are other treatments that work for CRPS patients too, spanning everything from corticosteroids to anticonvulsants and antidepressants.

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz & Becker 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.