Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a very painful and debilitating illness that is thought to affect one in every 3,800 people in the UK every year.
CRPS is usually found in just one limb of the body although it can spread to other areas in serious cases. Most cases of CRPS are triggered by an injury which the body reacts to in an abnormal fashion afterward. The affected limb becomes very sensitive to stimulation, become swollen with colour changes and also experience stiffness. Sufferers have reported stabbing, stinging or burning sensations in the affected area.
As well as pain in the affected limb, CRPS can also present with hair and nails changes, limb deformity and contractures. As well as the physical symptoms, people with CRPS can also develop with other health issues. Sleep disturbance and psychological issues commonly arise from pain and the resulting disability
Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
CRPS is a very complex condition, hence the need for a truly joined-up approach to manage it. There are four main ways to manage CRPS:
Education – this involves being given information about the syndrome so you can take steps to engage and manage the condition.
Physical rehabilitation – emphasis will be on physiotherapy to reduce the physical problems you are facing, restore and maintain function of your limb.
Pain relief – medications and interventions will be given to help manage the pain you are feeling
Psychological help – you are offered access to psychologically based treatment like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help in dealing with CRPS. It may be to develop coping strategies, recognise and manage perpetuating factors like stress or fear of movement.
Our individualised holistic approach:
Full history and assessment
Appropriate investigations
Occupational and lifestyle advice
Education about CRPS so you can take steps to manage the condition
Medication review and optimisation
Physiotherapy and exercise
Psychology based treatments
Pain interventions:
Lumbar Sympathetic Block and Radiofrequency
Dorsal Root Ganglion Block and Pulsed Radiofrequency
Advanced neuromodulation advice