What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain condition that is thought to be triggered after an injury or trauma to a limb. It is believed the damage from an injury has caused a secondary problem that is creating a malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
The musculoskeletal symptoms are often severe pain, inflammation, and skin sensitivity. Because the patient may avoid using the affected limb due to pain, additional changes in the bones, joints, and muscles of the affected limb may occur, worsening the outcome. Pain management, medication and physical therapy are often recommended to help treat the symptoms of CRPS.
