Myths and Facts about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a mysterious illness that causes widespread pain in your extremities with no specific, identifiable reason. It often occurs after a major injury, with symptoms such as persistent pain in your arms, legs, feet, or back.

The pain sometimes causes an electrical-like shooting sensation; you may also experience burning, tingling, or numbness, and extreme sensitivity to even a small amount of discomfort. 

Because CRPS isn’t well understood, there are many myths about the condition. At ReGen Pain Management in Plano, Texas, Dr. Jonathan Koning treats CRPS, addressing painful symptoms and helping our patients lead healthier, more comfortable lives.

Here are a few common myths and facts based on our experience.

Myth: CRPS only happens after a major injury

Fact: CRPS often occurs after a major injury such as a car accident, heart attack, or major fracture. But it can also surface after minor incidents, such as a needle stick, a small cut, or even no identifiable injury at all. 

CRPS can happen to anyone at any time after any trauma, large or small.

Myth: CRPS resolves on its own

Fact: While minor cases of CRPS in young people who are in good health do sometimes resolve on their own, in the majority of cases, CRPS is like other medical conditions and requires appropriate treatment to get better. 

If you ignore the symptoms, they may worsen and could lead to a disability. Nonsmoking young people have the best chance at recovery.

Myth: CRPS is all in your head

Fact: This myth has developed as a way to explain what can’t easily be explained, but that doesn't make it true. CRPS is an identifiable condition that results in physical changes in your body, including skin color changes, fluctuations in temperature and texture, and limitations in your movements.

The chronic pain does sometimes lead to emotional and mental health issues, but it’s grounded in a physical condition.

Myth: You can’t treat CRPS

Fact: While CRPS is a complex and chronic condition, that doesn’t mean we can’t treat it. Because patients respond differently to different types of therapies, finding the exact mix of treatments for you may take time.

Treatments we use include injections of medication near the site of your pain to reduce inflammation and irritation, as well as block nerve signals to diminish pain sensations. 

Physical therapy can help relieve pressure from your nerves, and spine stimulator implants have also proven effective in providing relief. Antidepressant medications and therapy can help you learn to manage your symptoms.

If you want to find out more about CRPS, Dr. Koning and our expert team can help. Schedule a consultation today by calling ReGen Pain Management or requesting an appointment online.