Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition, usually in an arm, hand, leg or foot, where pain is far stronger than the original injury and comes with swelling and skin changes. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we treat CRPS with nerve blocks, physical therapy and spinal cord stimulation.
Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS most often affects one limb after an injury. People describe it as a constant burning, throbbing or “on fire” pain. Other signs include:
- Pain from a light touch, clothing or a breeze
- Swelling of the limb
- Skin that turns red, blue or blotchy, or feels hotter or colder than the other side
- Sweating changes
- Changes in hair and nail growth
- Stiff joints, weakness, tremor or trouble moving the limb
What Causes CRPS?
CRPS usually starts after an injury to an arm or leg, and the most common triggers are:
- Fractures, especially of the wrist
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries (see sports injuries)
- Surgery, including carpal tunnel release (see post-surgical pain)
- A cast or splint that kept the limb still for a long time
Doctors believe it comes from an abnormal response of the nervous and immune systems to the injury. CRPS type 1 follows an injury without a confirmed nerve injury; type 2 follows a known nerve injury.
How We Treat CRPS
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. Early treatment matters, and the goal is to calm the pain enough for you to move the limb again. Your plan may include:
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block calms the overactive pain signals in the affected limb, which can reduce pain and swelling for long enough to make therapy possible. See our interventional procedures.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is central to CRPS care: gentle desensitization, graded movement and strengthening help restore use of the limb.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For CRPS that has not improved with other care, spinal cord stimulation is an established option. A short trial shows whether it helps you before a permanent device is considered.
Medication and Holistic Care
A pain management plan with medicines for nerve pain, plus medical acupuncture and other holistic pain relief, rounds out treatment.
Nerve Testing
Our in-office EMG and nerve conduction studies help check for a nerve injury and rule out other causes.
When to See a Doctor for CRPS
Book a visit if pain after an injury, surgery or cast is getting worse instead of better, feels far stronger than the injury, or comes with swelling, color or temperature changes in the limb. CRPS is easier to treat when it is caught early.
Bring the dates of your injury or surgery, any imaging and a list of treatments you have already tried. Photos of the limb on bad days are useful, because swelling and color changes may not show up at the visit.
Get urgent care for a cold, pale or blue limb, or sudden swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
What kind of doctor treats CRPS?
CRPS is usually managed by a pain medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, working with a physical or occupational therapist. Dr. Wilson is double board-certified in both specialties.
How long can complex regional pain syndrome last?
It varies. Some people improve within months, especially with early treatment, while others have symptoms for years. Long-term CRPS can still be managed.
What is the most common cause of CRPS?
A fracture, especially of the wrist, is one of the most common triggers. Sprains, surgery and a limb kept still in a cast are others.
What does complex regional pain syndrome feel like?
Most people describe a constant burning or throbbing pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, swelling and a limb that looks or feels different in temperature or color from the other side.
Can I walk with CRPS in my foot?
Yes, and moving the limb as much as you can tolerate is part of recovery. A therapist will build up standing and walking gradually, and a nerve block may make this easier.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for CRPS in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your CRPS and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
