Complex regional pain syndrome 

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare condition that causes a long-term burning pain in a limb or part of a limb. CRPS used to be known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The areas that are usually affected are the arms. legs, hands and feet.

CRPS causes a severe, continuous pain that can make the affected part of the body difficult to use. The skin of the affected area can also become very sensitive, so that even the slightest touch or change in temperature can cause intense pain. See CRPS - symptoms for more information.  

Types of CRPS

There are two types of CRPS that have different causes. They are:

• Type one CRPS is triggered by a simple injury, such as a sprained or fractured ankle, where there has not been any nerve damage.
• Type two CRPS is triggered by a more serious injury or procedure, where nerve damage has occurred following, for example, a broken bone, a serious infection or an operation

The injury causes pain that is much worse than expected. About 90% of all cases of CRPS are type one CRPS.

How common is CRPS?

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of people who are affected by CRPS because the condition can be difficult to diagnose. See CRPS - diagnosis for more information.

Estimates of CRPS from across the world vary, from one 1 in 18,000 people being affected to 1 in 4,000 people. Neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by problems with the body’s nerves, is thought to affect one or two people out of every 100 in the UK.

CRPS is more common in women and people who are 50 to 70 years of age. However, the condition can affect people of any age, including children.

Outlook

Your treatment for CRPS will usually be co-ordinated by a number of different healthcare professionals working together, such as a pain relief specialist and a physiotherapist. Treatment will involve a combination of:

• physiotherapy – physical techniques, such as massage and manipulation, to help improve the movement in the affected body part
• medicines to help relieve your pain

Treatment for CRPS is usually most effective when started immediately after diagnosis. See CRPS - treatment for more information about the different treatment options available.