Have you ever experienced rare limb pain after injuries or a surgical process? Typically, most people ignore this pain citing it as a short-term problem. However, the sharp pain may indicate complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition in your limbs. CRPS worsens if ignored and can cause further damage to your nervous functionality. But that doesn’t mean the condition is inevitable since Dallas CRPS specialists will give you relief with the latest techniques. In addition, renowned pain management physician Nina Sandhu, DO, understands how CRPS can affect your quality of life and hinder your productivity. Therefore, Dr. Sandhu pens down informative answers to your questions on CRPS. Here they are:
1. What does CRPS mean?
Previously identified as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), Complex regional pain syndrome is an enduring pain condition that affects your limbs, specifically after surgery, trauma, or injury. It can cause crippling pain by burning and swelling in the affected area. With CRPS, your nervous system is affected, which sends pain signals to your brain without an easy-to-diagnose cause. Generally, it is caused by your central or peripheral nervous system malfunction.
2. What are the common symptoms of CRPS?
It can be challenging to differentiate between CRPS and a typical injury. Nevertheless, if you experience continuous burning and throbbing in your legs, arm, or feet, chances are high that you have CRPS. Additionally, you might experience sensitivity to touch or cold and changes in skin temperature, color, or texture. If you identify a decrease in your range of motion or changes in your skin texture, hair, or nail in the affected area, it signifies a potential CRPS.
3. Can CRPS spread to other body parts?
Although not guaranteed, CRPS can spread and distress other body parts if left untreated. If the condition does spread, it negatively affects the nearby areas. For instance, if you have CRPS in your arm, the situation might relocate to your hand or shoulder. Again, the condition may spread from the leg to your foot or lower back spine.
4. Is CRPS a lifelong disease?
Technically, just like other health illnesses, the time length of a disease is determined by how often you seek medical help. There are a variety of reasons that determine whether CRPS goes into rescinding or if you will live with the symptoms.
5. Can CRPS go away on its own?
Unfortunately, the condition doesn’t simply go away. In most cases, people ignore the pain thinking it will go away, but it worsens and might cause more harm. The only way to stabilize CRPS is through early diagnosis and treatments. Its imperative to often visit your doctor for check-ups and treatments.
6. How do I find the right CRPS doctor?
If you have CPRS symptoms, it is wise to seek medical help from a doctor who specializes or has a history of successfully treating CRPS. Dr. Nina Sandhu of Magnolia Pain Associates is a result-proven specialist who will instantly treat and eliminate limb pain. With state-of-the-art technology and improved medical techniques, you will find relief from any pain associated with CRPS. To know if you are an ideal candidate for CRPS treatment, contact our Dallas, Texas, office today!