Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Pain Medicine Consultants

Pain Specialists & Spine Specialists located in Corte Madera, CA - Pleasanton, CA - Pleasant Hill, CA

Living with chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome can be debilitating physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you haven’t found a treatment to relieve your pain effectively, rely on the expertise of the physicians at Pain Medicine Consultants in Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, and Marin County, California. The staff offers on-site diagnostic and treatment services to alleviate severe pain and increase your mobility. Find out more about the treatment options available for complex regional pain syndrome by calling the office nearest you or use the convenient online booking feature.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Q & A

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that causes persistent pain in your arm or leg. The condition generally develops after a traumatic injury, heart attack, or stroke. CRPS can also result from surgery.

What are the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome?

Persistent arm or leg pain, as well as pain in your hands or feet, may be the first indicator you have the condition. Symptoms of CRPS can vary from one person to the next and may worsen over time without treatment.

Other symptoms common with CRPS include:

Joint stiffness
Sensitivity to cold
Changes in skin color
Swelling of the affected area
Changes in skin temperature

You may notice you also have difficulty moving your arms or legs or experience uncontrolled spasms or tremors in your muscles.

If you notice your skin has become chronically pale-looking and cold to the touch and you begin experiencing changes in your nail growth, this can be an indication that CRPS is causing permanent damage. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

How is complex regional pain syndrome diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of CRPS can be similar to many other underlying medical conditions, it’s important that you work with a physician experienced in treating the condition, like the staff at Pain Medicine Consultants.

The staff offers on-site diagnostics to rule out other medical issues and confirm CRPS. They also perform a comprehensive physical exam of the site of your pain, checking for abnormalities.

What treatments are available for complex regional pain syndrome?

Your Pain Medicine Consultants doctor reviews your symptoms and their severity to determine which treatment option works best for you. Initially, they may suggest medications to keep you comfortable. Corticosteroid injections can also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving the functionality of your affected arm or leg.

When pain is severe and debilitating, your doctor may suggest a nerve block or ketamine infusion therapy to alleviate the worst of your pain.

Your doctor can also provide resources and support to help you cope with chronic pain and maintain a high quality of life, despite your diagnosis.

If you’ve run out of options for treating chronic pain, schedule a consultation with the highly trained medical staff at Pain Medicine Consultants online or by phone today.

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