Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a rare condition triggered by numerous events. While car wrecks are a common cause due to physical trauma that can lead to CRPS, other accidents, surgeries, and medical procedures may be responsible too. And although in most cases, medical professionals (or the individuals themselves) can pinpoint why CRPS occurs, sometimes the reason is unknown.

One of the most confounding issues with CRPS is that the symptoms of this condition may be so much worse than the initial injury; for instance, even a mild sprain may later trigger severe pain that seems much worse than the original accident. The pain may be chronic and ongoing, leaving the patient confused about what happened to cause such a serious health problem, usually with only one limb affected.

While changes in sensitivity and temperature around the area affected by CRPS are common—along with pain—skin irregularities are often associated with the condition too. The individual suffering from CRPS may be highly concerned about how their skin looks once CRPS takes hold, but even worse is the discomfort which causes issues such as:

• Skin rashes
• Discoloration that is pale, red, blue, pink, or tinged with other colors
• Extreme skin sensitivity even to something as minor as a waft of air
• A paper thin or glossy appearance
• New growth patterns in hair on the affected arm or leg

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke makes it clear that many of these symptoms are ‘due to microcirculation caused by damage to the nerves controlling blood flow and temperature.’ Patients may have difficulty moving their limbs or may experience a foot or leg remaining in a fixed position temporarily or permanently. Coordination problems may occur, along with shaking or spasticity. Swelling is a common symptom in the affected limb too, along with excessive perspiration concentrated in that area.

Diagnosis is not always easy at first because there is not a specific test for CRPS; rather, a doctor can only rule out other issues first and judge the symptoms, which may be severe (and obvious) in some cases. Treatments vary from over-the-counter pain relievers to lidocaine or opioids, with physical therapy often being effective too.

If you have been affected by an injury caused by the negligence of others and are seeking a skilled CRPS lawyer, contact Heintz Law today. 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.