What Is CRPS? And What Else Do You Need to Know?

 If you or someone you know suffers from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), you may have many questions about this condition. Well, then get ready because today we’re going to answer the top most common questions about CRPS

What is CRPS Disease?

CRPS stands for complex regional pain syndrome, a chronic condition that causes severe pain and other symptoms in a specific part of the body, usually an arm or a leg. CRPS can develop after an injury or infection that affects the nerves in the affected area. The pain is often out of proportion to the original injury and may persist even after the injury has healed. CRPS is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or causalgia.

Which is worse CRPS I or CRPS II?

CRPS can be classified into two types, based on the cause and the presence of nerve damage:

-        CRPS I: This type occurs after an illness or injury that did not directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. About 90% of people with CRPS have this type.

-        CRPS II: This type occurs after a distinct nerve injury that can be identified by tests. About 10% of people with CRPS have this type.

Both types of CRPS have similar signs and symptoms; however, some studies suggest that CRPS II may be worse due to more severe pain, disability, and less response to treatment.

Is CRPS the most painful disease?

It is difficult to state whether or not CRPS is the most painful of diseases; however, the condition is considered to be one of the most painful. For comparison, according to the McGill Pain Index, a scale that measures different types of pain based on their intensity and duration, CRPS ranks higher than a number of painful conditions like childbirth, kidney stones, and cancer pain.

Can CRPS come and go?

CRPS can vary in its severity and duration. Some people may experience mild or moderate symptoms that improve over time or go into remission. Others may have severe or persistent symptoms that last for months or years without improvement. Some people may also have periods of flare-ups and remissions, where their symptoms worsen or improve temporarily.

Is CRPS an autoimmune disease?

No, CRPS is not considered to be an autoimmune disease as such are caused when the immune system starts attacking the body itself. However, it should be noted that some researchers do believe there to a link between CRPS and autoimmunity, which is a state where the immune system becomes overactive or dysregulated.

What is the difference between CRPS and RSD?

CRPS and RSD are different names for the same condition. RSD stands for reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a term that was used to describe CRPS type I before the current classification system was adopted.

What is CRPS diagnosis?

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose CRPS. The diagnosis of CRPS is based on a combination of clinical criteria, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Can CRPS spread?

CRPS can spread from its original site to other parts of the body in some cases. The spread of CRPS can occur in different ways: Mirror-image spread, Contiguous spread, and Independent spread. Sadly, the exact mechanism and risk factors for the spread of CRPS are not yet fully understood.

Can CRPS lead to other diseases?

CRPS can lead to other diseases or complications if left untreated or poorly managed. Some of these include:

-        Osteoporosis.

-        Muscle atrophy.

-        Infection.

-        Depression.

-        Suicide.

What causes CRPS?

The exact cause of CRPS is not known. However, it is believed that CRPS is triggered by an injury or event that affects the nerves in the affected area. The injury or event may be minor or major, moreover the injury or event may also involve damage to the central nervous system.

Is CRPS a disability?

Disability is a term that describes how a person's health condition affects their functioning in different domains of life. As such, CRPS can be considered a disability.

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Both studies and statistics have shown that with early diagnosis and treatment, CRPS cannot only be improved but cured. However, the treatment can be quite expensive and requires almost round the clock care.

So, if you or someone you known is suffering from CRPS, and need legal assistance, you may want to consider hiring Cardamone Law as your CRPS lawyer Cardamone Law is a law firm that specializes in representing people with CRPS and other chronic pain conditions. Cardamone Law has the experience and expertise to help you obtain the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Call (215) 206-9068 now for a free legal consultation. And don’t worry about the legal fee; Cardamone Law offers a simple contingency fee structure where you only pay if you win.