Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a condition characterized by persistent pain as a result of an injury, infection or surgery, with or without the presence of soft tissue or nerve damage. Most RSD patients are between the ages of 18 and 45 years of age.

 

Symptoms include:

• Severe burning pain in one or more extremities that persists even after complete recovery from the initial injury. The affect area is often sensitive to even the slightest touch.
• Swelling of a painful limb may occur within a few days to a few months
• Changes in skin color and texture may be evident.
• Sensitivity to heat or cold may be increased
• Joint tenderness, stiffness and mobility loss
• Changes in skin, soft tissue, muscles and bones
• Gradual function loss in that extremity
• Constant, intolerable pain

 

Treatment options include:

• Implanted medication pumps - surgically implanted pump is designed to deliver a controlled amount of medication through a catheter to a specific area in the body to relieve pain

   

• Implanted spinal cord stimulators - a surgically implanted device used to provide low-voltage electrical stimulation to the spinal cord to block the feeling of pain

   

• Nerve blocks - diagnostic and therapeutic - the interruption of a nerve's function by the injection of a local anesthetic agent or other drug

   

• Occupational therapy - teaches ways to continue daily activities, such as dressing and bathing, without increased pain

   

• Physical therapy - can increase strength, flexibility and mobility while decreasing pain; includes heat, massage, and electrical stimulation

   

• Psychological treatments

See the available treatments section in the Pain Management Center for a comprehensive description of further treatment options.