

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a rare disorder that is also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). It is an exaggerated response from the nervous system after tissue damage or injury. It commonly occurs in the arms or legs. Usually, it occurs on only one side of the body but it is possible that this presents bilaterally. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is classified into two categories depending on whether or not a known direct nerve injury was involved.
CRPS Type I: this type was formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and occurs after tissue damage with no known nerve involvement
CRPS Type II: known previously as Causalgia, this type of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is diagnosed when it occurs after an established trauma to a nerve
While it is unclear what causes the nervous system to overreact in this way, the conditions and risk factors that may lead to this condition in the lower extremities are:
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is difficult to diagnose and usually ends up being a diagnosis of exclusion as there are no specific diagnostic tests that exist for this. The symptoms that will lead a practitioner to suspect CRPS as a diagnosis are:
Treatment for CRPS is extremely individualized. Increasing the associated pain must be balanced with exercises that are necessary to prevent a future decrease in loss of range of motion and function. Physical and occupational therapy will often be utilized as a first line of defense in order to preserve flexibility and function of musculature and surrounding structures. Exercise also helps to facilitate and improve blood flow and lessen any circulatory problems. Along with therapy, some additional intervention methods used for this condition are: