If you are experiencing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), then you understand why ‘complex’ is the first word in the name of this condition. For most, CRPS occurs after a serious trauma or injury, often due to the negligence of others. You may have been hit by another driver, or struck while walking, riding a bike, or motorcycle. Other traumas may have occurred in the workplace, or due to a product defect.

Once you began having symptoms, you may have been surprised to hear about CRPS, knowing nothing about the condition—although hundreds of thousands of individuals (and perhaps more) in the US are affected by the syndrome. CRPS often presents itself with substantial pain—sometimes much greater in comparison to the initial trauma which may have caused it even. You may experience a substantial burning or aching feeling, loss of mobility in one arm or leg, extreme skin sensitivity, swelling, changes to the appearance of your skin, as well as texture and more.

Diagnostics can be as challenging as the disorder itself, as there is no specific test for CRPS. A recent paper published by the US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health discusses both classification as well as what medical professionals look for:

“CRPS can be classified into two types: CRPS types I and II that are characterized by the absence or presence of identifiable nerve injury. CRPS type I is a syndrome that usually develops after an initiating noxious event, is not limited to the distribution of a single peripheral nerve, and is disproportionate to the inciting event. It is associated with edema, changes in skin blood flow, abnormal sudomotor activity in the region of the pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia and commonly involves the distal aspect of the affected extremity or with a distal to proximal gradient. CRPS type II can be defined as a burning pain, allodynia and hyperpathia occurring in a region of the limb after partial injury of a nerve or one of its major branches innervating that region.”

Diagnosis and treatment are much more effective when made early. Medications such as corticosteroids or even antidepressants may be prescribed, along with other physical therapies, depending on the symptoms of the individual. If you are suffering from CRPS, you may also find that it is necessary to reach out and speak with a mental health professional about the emotional aspects associated with the disease as your quality of life is affected.

If you or a loved one are suffering from CRPS after an injury or trauma due to the negligence of others, contact ­­­­Heintz Law now. Our experienced CRPS lawyers will fight to recover compensation on your behalf. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. Call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!