What is CRPS?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects a limb, most often after an injury, surgery or immobilisation. The pain is out of proportion to the original injury.

Common symptoms

• Continuing burning, throbbing or aching pain, often worse than expected for the injury
• Skin that is unusually sensitive to touch, cold or movement (allodynia)
• Swelling, and changes in skin colour or temperature in the affected area
• Changes in sweating, hair or nail growth, and skin texture
• Stiffness, weakness or difficulty moving the affected limb

Types of CRPS

CRPS type I develops without a confirmed nerve injury, and is the more common form. CRPS type II follows a confirmed injury to a nerve.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

There is no single test. Doctors diagnose CRPS from your symptoms and examination, using recognised criteria such as the Budapest criteria, and by ruling out other causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are widely considered important, so speak to a doctor if you are worried.

Treatment

Care usually involves a team: medication, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, psychological support, and sometimes specialist pain procedures. What helps differs from person to person.

The orange ribbon

Orange is the colour of CRPS awareness. The Orange Ribbon takes its name from the orange ribbon worn to raise awareness and show support for people living with CRPS.