The Chronic Pain of CRPS and RSD
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), causalgia, and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) are marked by intense and constant pain. They are chronic neurological conditions, meaning the pain does not go away.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of CRPS or RSD and related conditions include redness, warmth, swelling and extreme sensitivity of the skin, a constant burning pain, swelling and stiffness in affected joints. The pain is out of proportion to the injury or trauma that led to the symptoms.
Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
There is no cure for the chronic pain of CRPS and related chronic pain disorders, but medical treatments can relieve its symptoms. Doctors may prescribe topical analgesics, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids to relieve pain. But no medication or combination of medications works well for everyone. Other treatments include physical therapy, psychological therapy, nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation.
What Causes CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome occurs in two types with similar signs and symptoms, but different causes:
Complex regional pain syndrome often occurs after a blunt force injury, such as those sustained in car accidents. Surgery, infection and even a sprained ankle can all trigger complex regional pain syndrome.
How Can A Lawyer Help?
At Kinerk, Beal, Schmidt, Dyer & Sethi, in Tucson, our attorneys understand how to establish the link between Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and the negligent accident or injury that triggered its onset.
If your chronic pain was caused by the negligence of another, please contact our law firm to arrange a free consultation about your case.
Visit these Web sites to learn more about RSD and CRPS:
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke offers information, resources and links to organizations and publications.
- The American Chronic Pain Association
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association
