Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
CRPS is frightening because the pain can feel far beyond the original injury, and the limb can change colour, temperature and function. I focus on ruling out inflammatory or autoimmune mimics and getting rehabilitation started early, because early treatment usually works best.
What complex regional pain syndrome is
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that usually affects one arm or leg after injury, fracture, surgery or immobilisation. The nervous system and blood-flow regulation become over-sensitive, causing pain and physical changes beyond the original injury.
Symptoms to look out for
Burning, stabbing, stinging or throbbing pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch or clothing
Swelling, stiffness or reduced movement
Skin colour, temperature, sweating or hair/nail changes
Weakness, tremor or difficulty using the limb
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
Rheumatology can help rule out inflammatory arthritis, infection or autoimmune disease when symptoms overlap, but CRPS care often needs a multidisciplinary pain and rehabilitation approach.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Pain after injury that is not settling
Severe sensitivity or swelling
Colour or temperature changes in the limb
Loss of movement or function
What a specialist review looks like
I review the timeline after injury, examine the limb and surrounding joints, exclude other causes and discuss early physiotherapy, pain management and coordinated care.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If you have persistent burning pain, swelling or colour and temperature changes in a limb after injury or surgery, WhatsApp my clinic and we can help you decide whether a rheumatology assessment is the right next step.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.