Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is not uncommon and can strike anyone at any age. Many experts, including the Dallas CRPS specialists, agree it is common in many young women. The condition mainly manifests through intense pain in your hands, arms, or legs, mainly if an injury has occurred and worsens over time. The symptoms may vary in length and severity, and it is crucial to understand your symptoms to seek the correct type of treatment. You can seek expert diagnosis when you have suspicious symptoms for confirmation and suggestions on the right treatments. Here is more information on CRPS diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

The most common way of diagnosing CRPS is through signs and symptoms observation. There is no specific test for the condition, and your doctor will evaluate your symptoms based on ruling out other conditions. Remember that many complications have similar symptoms, and it can be challenging to diagnose CRPS unless other illnesses are ruled out. Also, diagnosing CRPS is not simple, especially in its early stages when symptoms are few or mild or improve gradually over time.

Managing CRPS

There is no specific cure for CRPS. This could be because the condition’s exact cause is unknown, and symptoms vary. However, many healthcare practitioners aim treatment at relieving painful symptoms so that patients can lead a quality painless life. Here are some commonly used therapies.

Medication

Several medications can manage CRPS, depending on your unique symptoms. Your doctor can recommend topical analgesic drugs on painful nerves, muscles, and skin. Antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, opioids, and corticosteroids can also effectively manage your symptoms. However, no single drug or particular combination is specific for CRPS.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor can develop a gradually increasing exercise program when enduring CRPS. This aims at helping your painful limb or other body parts remain in motion to restore your range of motion and some functions.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

This involves placing stimulating electrodes next to your spinal cord to provide a pleasant tingling sensation in your painting area. This will help you get some pain relief, depending on your symptoms.

Surgical Sympathectomy

This is a procedure involving the destruction of nerves involved in CRPS. Although this treatment remains controversial, some experts believe it produces favorable outcomes for patients enduring CRPS.

Sympathetic Nerve Block

You can get significant pain relief from CRPS symptoms through sympathetic nerve blocks. The blocks can be done in several ways, like intravenously, where a phentolamine drug is administered to block your sympathetic receptors. Another technique where an anesthetic is placed near the spine can directly block the sympathetic nerves.

Psychotherapy

CRPS can have some psychological effects even on your family. You might suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety, all of which may worsen your symptoms., but you can manage such issues through psychotherapy to make other rehabilitation efforts easier.

Intrathecal Drug Pumps

These are devices that can deliver drugs directly to your spinal fluid. Your provider can employ this technique to deliver opioids or anesthetic agents to the pain agents in your spine. The devices make it easier and effective to deliver low dosages that would be delivered orally, minimizing the side effects of the drugs.

If your limbs are aching, you might have CRPS. Consult your Magnolia Pain Associates CRPS specialist today to understand better about your symptoms. Getting an expert diagnosis is essential in helping you get the proper treatment based on your symptoms and the underlying causes.