Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition that causes severe swelling in the arms, hands, legs, and feet and changes in skin color, temperature, and texture that varies in severity. This condition may be caused by damage in the peripheral and central nervous system. The pain caused by CRPS can become chronic and may be a prolonged feeling that is very uncomfortable depending on the severity of nerve damage caused from the injury. The pain from CRPS has been described as a burning or stabbing pain in the affected limbs that may spread the entire leg or arm. Other symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome include shiny or thin-looking skin with increased sensitivity to the area, abnormal sweating patterns, increased nail and hair growth patterns, stiff joints, and coordination issues.
Although research and in depth data about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome are not readily available based on the accessibility of data, CRPS is generally observed in patients who are around 40 years old, but not the elderly, and there have been cases in which teenagers have been diagnosed with CRPS. Fortunately, children under five years old do not get CRPS, and it is extremely rare in children between 5-10 years old.