Complex regional pain syndrome is complicated, making it all the worse for around 200,000 individuals suffering from this rare condition within the US. Separated into Type 1 (no directly known nerve damage) and Type 2 (more definitive, known nerve damage), CRPS can be difficult to live with, difficult to treat, and even more difficult to diagnose. While doctors are becoming more familiar with the symptoms today, historically CRPS has been challenging to pinpoint because there is no actual test for it and other similar conditions caused by central nervous disorders must be ruled out first.

Patients and medical professionals are usually alerted to the possibility of CRPS due to symptoms like extreme skin sensitivity (just the lightest touch may be intolerable), discoloration, and swelling, as well as issues with the joints, muscles, growing lack of coordination, and mobility. More complex issues may develop also, like muscle atrophy or dystonia, as fingers or toes become fixed in awkward positions.

MRIs and CTs are often used to rule out other conditions, as well as indicating any moderate to severe changes in tissue due to CRPS. Along with this, medical professionals often use X-Rays to demonstrate bone density loss and other tests to indicate problems within the central nervous system. Thermography is also a tried and true method for helping to diagnose CRPS as it allows doctors to examine the nervous system and temperature variations which may indicate abnormalities. Using this technique (in practice since the 1950s) can be especially helpful when a patient may not be suffering from all the classic symptoms, and in fact it may also serve as an indicator regarding spots that CRPS will migrate to later (generally within about six to nine months).

Early diagnosis and treatment lead to the best outcome for CRPS patients who may then undergo a regimen of medication (to include OTC treatment or more stronger ones like opioids) and therapies, from the conventional physical therapies to more alternative techniques like biofeedback. Many patients experience depression and anxiety once CRPS sets in as they may have significant challenges to adapting to lifestyle changes and restrictions. Antidepressants and consultations with a therapist may be necessary to help them with common emotional issues accompanying this condition.

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.