Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that mainly affects the arms and legs.
Alternative Names
CRPS; RSDS; Causalgia - RSD; Shoulder-hand syndrome; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome; Sudeck's atrophy
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has two forms:
- CRPS 1 is a chronic nerve disorder that occurs most often in the arms or legs after a minor injury.
- CRPS 2 is caused by an injury to the nerve.
The cause of CRPS is not completely understood. It is thought to result from damage to the nervous system, including the nerves that control the blood vessels and sweat glands.
The damaged nerves are no longer able to properly control blood flow, feeling (sensation), and temperature to the affected area. This leads to medical problems in the:
- Blood vessels
- Bones
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Skin
Possible causes of CRPS:
- Injury or infection in an arm or leg
- Heart attack
- Stroke
The condition can sometimes appear without obvious injury to the affected limb.
This condition is more common in people ages 40 - 60, but it has been seen in younger people too.
