Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
The main symptom of CRPS is continuous and intense pain in proportion to the severity of the injured area and can get worse over time instead of getting better. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome usually affects the following extremities:
- Arms
- Feet
- Hands
- Legs
CRPS is usually coupled with the following symptoms:
- Burning pain
- Changes in the growth patterns of the nails and hair
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Changes in skin color, usually blotchy, pale, red, and purple.
- Motor disability, with a decreased ability to move towards the affected body part
- Changes in the temperature of the skin – warmer or cooler when compared to the opposite extremity
- Stiffness and swelling of the affected joints
- Changes in skin texture, which is usually shiny and thin, and sometimes sweating profusely
CRPS mostly affect one extremity. There are times that the pain will spread to include the entire legs or arm, even though the injury is only in the finger or toe. Sometimes, the pain will travel towards the opposite extremity and can get worse with emotional stress.
Advertisement
