Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. It is condition that involves abnormal nerve inflammation and nerve dysfunction. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack. The pain is usually out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
Signs and symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome include:

• Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in your arm, leg, hand or foot
• Sensitivity to touch or cold
• Swelling of the painful area
• Changes in skin temperature — alternating between sweaty and cold
• Changes in skin color, ranging from white and mottled to red or blue
• Changes in skin texture, which may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area
• Changes in hair and nail growth
• Joint stiffness, swelling and damage
• Muscle spasms, tremors, weakness and loss (atrophy)