Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Conditions Treated

Neck Pain
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Back Pain
Knee pain
Buttock Pain
Shoulder Pain
Pain Due To Vascular Diseases
Hip Pain
Cancer Pain And Palliative Care

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually develops in an arm or leg after an injury, surgery, fracture, or other trauma. The pain may be more severe or persistent than expected and can be accompanied by changes in skin colour, temperature, swelling, sweating, and sensitivity.


Common Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Typical Pain Symptoms

  1. Persistent burning or aching pain
  2. Extreme sensitivity to touch
  3. Pain from normally harmless contact
  4. Increased sensitivity to temperature
  5. Swelling in the affected limb
  6. Stiffness or reduced movement
  7. Tingling or numbness
Other Possible Changes

  1. Changes in skin colour or appearance
  2. Unusual warmth or coldness of the limb
  3. Changes in sweating
  4. Changes in skin texture
  5. Muscle weakness or spasms
  6. Changes in hair or nail growth
  7. Difficulty using the affected limb

What Causes Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

CRPS can occur when the nervous system responds abnormally after an injury or procedure. It may develop after fractures, sprains, surgery, nerve injuries, or other trauma. In some cases, the exact cause cannot be identified.

  • Fractures or significant injuries
  • Surgical procedures
  • Nerve damage or irritation
  • Sprains or other soft tissue injuries
  • Immobilisation of an affected limb
  • Abnormal nerve and inflammatory responses

How Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated?

Treatment depends on the symptoms, duration, severity, and underlying cause. Early assessment can help control pain and improve movement. A pain specialist may recommend a combination of medicines, physiotherapy, nerve-targeted treatments, and minimally invasive pain procedures when appropriate.

  • Medicines for neuropathic pain and inflammation
  • Physiotherapy and graded movement
  • Nerve blocks or targeted injections
  • Sympathetic nerve-targeted procedures
  • Minimally invasive pain management techniques
  • Individualised rehabilitation and pain management

How Vedant Pain Management Clinic Can Help

At Vedant Pain Management Clinic, we assess the nature and severity of persistent pain to develop an individualised treatment plan for CRPS. Our approach focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and helping patients gradually return to their daily activities through appropriate medication, rehabilitation, and minimally invasive pain management options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or leg after an injury, surgery, fracture, or other trauma. It can cause persistent pain along with changes in skin colour, temperature, swelling, and sensitivity.

Common symptoms include burning or aching pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, swelling, numbness, tingling, stiffness, reduced movement, and changes in the temperature, colour, or appearance of the affected limb.

CRPS may develop after a fracture, surgery, sprain, nerve injury, or other trauma. It is thought to involve an abnormal response of the nerves and inflammatory systems. Sometimes, the exact cause cannot be identified.

Yes. Treatment focuses on controlling pain, improving movement, and maintaining function. Depending on the individual case, treatment may include medicines, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, nerve blocks, and other minimally invasive pain management procedures.

CRPS involves nerve-related pain, but it is more complex than typical nerve pain. It can also cause swelling, changes in skin temperature and colour, sweating changes, stiffness, and increased sensitivity in the affected area.

CRPS is primarily diagnosed through a detailed medical history and physical examination. A doctor may assess pain sensitivity, swelling, skin changes, movement, and other symptoms. Imaging or other tests may be used to rule out other conditions.

CRPS can improve in some people, particularly when treatment begins early, but symptoms may persist or become chronic in others. Early assessment and a suitable treatment plan can help manage symptoms and preserve function.

Physiotherapy can help maintain movement, flexibility, strength, and function. Exercises are generally introduced gradually and should be tailored to the person's symptoms and tolerance.

You should consider seeing a pain specialist if pain continues after an injury or surgery, becomes unusually severe, or is accompanied by swelling, significant sensitivity, skin colour or temperature changes, or difficulty moving the affected limb.

Vedant Pain Management Clinic provides personalised evaluation and pain management for CRPS. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include medication, rehabilitation, nerve blocks, and minimally invasive procedures aimed at reducing pain and improving function.
Meet Our Specialist

Dr. Mohit Gupta

Interventional Pain Physician & Pain Specialist

Dr. Mohit Gupta is a highly experienced Interventional Pain Physician dedicated to helping patients overcome chronic pain and regain a better quality of life. He combines advanced, minimally invasive pain management techniques with compassionate, personalized care.

10+ Years Experience
Advanced Pain Therapies
Patient-First Care
Book Consultation
Know More
Dr Mohit Gupta