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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a type of chronic pain that may affect a leg or an arm. It may develop after a heart attack, surgery, or injury. The pain may affect the quality of your life significantly. Since CRPS is an uncommon problem in Colorado Springs, it is highly misunderstood. Keep reading to learn about the signs and symptoms of Colorado Springs CRPS/ RSD.
1.Spontaneous Pain
If you have CRPS, you may experience an unprovoked pain around your arm or leg. The pain may be constant or fluctuating and it often feels like being stung with pins or a burning sensation. If the nerves remain inflamed for a long time, the pain may spread. It may affect a larger area. In some cases, you may experience similar symptoms on the opposite limb. The mirror pain is typically less severe.
2.Impaired Muscle Strength
Most people with CRPS have impaired muscle strength and limited movement even when the injury did not affect their nerve fibers directly. The limited muscle movement may be caused by abnormalities in your sensory inputs that coordinate movement. Poor circulation and excess inflammation may cause abnormal limb movements.
3.Prolonged or Severe Pain After Contact
CRPS makes the affected area more sensitive than usual. Even the lightest touch could trigger excess pain. The pain could make it difficult to perform your regular activities.
4.A Change In Your Skin Texture
Over time, your skin may start appearing abnormally thick, thin or scaly. The change is triggered by insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to your skin. Minimize contact as it might make the condition worse.
5.Stiffness
One of the most common symptoms of CRPS is stiffness in the affected joints. It reduces the flexibility of your ligaments and tendons.
6.Abnormal Hair and Nail Growth
The affected limb may have a rapid and abnormal growth of hair and nails. You may experience profuse sweating.
7.Swelling, Changes In Skin Color, and Temperature Changes
The affected arm or leg may feel cooler or warmer than usual. It may swell or change color to gray, blue, purple, or red. These symptoms fluctuate and they do not always appear at the same time. They are a result of abnormal blood flow.
8.Excess Bone Growth
If you have CRPS, the affected area may appear to waste away. The abnormalities in your bone growth may be visible on x-rays. Your doctor will use it to pinpoint the location of your nerve damage and treat it appropriately
9.Diagnosing CRPS/RSD
There is no diagnosis tool for CRPS/RSD. Doctors can give you a diagnosis based on your clinical exam, lab results, and history. They may use the degree of your pain and dysfunction to rule out the condition.
If you suspect that you or your loved one may have the symptoms of CRPS, seek medical attention immediately. Since there is no gold standard for diagnosis, your doctor may help you rule out the possibility of other disorders. Early diagnosis increases your chances of getting the appropriate treatment.
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