Complex Regional Pain Syndrome- Prolonged and sometimes disproportional pain of an arm or leg and the surrounding area that can be attributed to dysfunction of the nerves (and peripheral nervous system) in that same area. The nerves can either be damaged, intact but dysfunctional, or can’t transmit signals to the Central Nervous System correctly from trauma, injury, heart attack, stroke, or surgery. Because of this dysfunction, changes in skin temperature, skin color, or swelling of the affected area are common
More about CRPS from The Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20022844
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Signs & Symptoms:
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Prolonged, constant pain of a limb & surrounding area after injury or trauma
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Temperature changes of the affected limb
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Skin color changes of the affected limb
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Increased sensitivity
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Skin texture changes in the affected area
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Stiffness of the affected area
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Decreased muscle coordination
- Abnormal movement (sometimes tremors) or resting position of the affected limb
See the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/detail_reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
The American Chronic Pain Association’s “Consumer Guide to Medications and Treatments”: http://www.theacpa.org/medsup/default.aspx