Pain is usually fairly black and white – meaning you can trace the cause of it. However, in some cases, it can be more puzzling, such as in the case of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which the Mayo Clinic says is uncommon and not well understood as a result.
This type of pain usually develops following an injury or surgery, and is “out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury,” explains the source. However, while doctors might not know a lot about it, there are treatments available that are best started early. Read on to learn more about CRPS including the common symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
According to Medical News Today, this rare and chronic condition often affects one leg, foot, or arm following an injury. The discomfort is disproportionate to the injury, notes the site. “A person who develops CRPS after experiencing an injury may find that they have pain that is more severe than they would normally have expected with such an injury,” it notes.
While it often affects just one limb, the source explains there are cases when the entire body is impacted, including the internal organs. It may be an autoimmune condition, in which the body reacts to a perceived threat and causes inflammation. It’s not just pain – there are other associated symptoms that we’ll explain later.