CRPS Treatment in Cincinnati - APSI Wellness
Expert CRPS treatment in Cincinnati. Learn about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome symptoms and management at APSI Wellness.
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) — Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition typically affecting a limb after injury, characterized by severe pain disproportionate to the initial injury, along with swelling, skin changes, and temperature abnormalities.
What Is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or leg, typically developing after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The hallmark of CRPS is pain that is significantly out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury — and that persists long after the original injury has healed.
CRPS involves dysfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems, particularly the sympathetic nervous system. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.
Types of CRPS
CRPS Type I (formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy): Occurs without confirmed nerve injury. Accounts for about 90% of cases.
CRPS Type II (formerly Causalgia): Occurs after a confirmed peripheral nerve injury.
Symptoms
Severe, burning, or throbbing pain in the affected limb
Swelling and stiffness in the affected joints
Skin color changes (red, blue, pale, or blotchy)
Skin temperature changes (warmer or cooler than the opposite limb)
Increased skin sensitivity (allodynia — pain from light touch)
Changes in skin texture, nail growth, or hair growth
Decreased range of motion
Muscle weakness, tremor, or spasms
Causes and Triggers
Fractures (most common trigger)
Surgery
Sprains and strains
Soft tissue injuries
Immobilization (casting)
Rarely: no identifiable trigger
Treatment Options at APSI Wellness
Early, multimodal treatment is critical:
Sympathetic nerve blocks — stellate ganglion blocks (upper extremity) or lumbar sympathetic blocks (lower extremity) to interrupt the sympathetic pain cycle
Spinal cord stimulation — for CRPS not responding to other treatments
Medical management — neuropathic pain medications, anti-inflammatories
Psychotherapy — addressing the psychological impact of chronic pain
Physical therapy referral — gentle, progressive mobility and desensitization
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CRPS be cured?
Early treatment can lead to significant improvement or remission in many cases. The longer CRPS goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to manage. Our goal is aggressive early intervention to maximize recovery.
How is CRPS diagnosed?
CRPS is diagnosed clinically based on the Budapest Criteria, which evaluate pain, sensory changes, vasomotor changes (temperature/color), sudomotor changes (swelling/sweating), and motor/trophic changes. There is no single definitive test.
Why do sympathetic nerve blocks help CRPS?
In many CRPS patients, the sympathetic nervous system perpetuates the pain cycle. Blocking these nerves can interrupt this cycle, reduce pain, improve blood flow, and allow the nervous system to begin normalizing.
How many sympathetic blocks will I need?
A series of 3-6 blocks is typical, performed 1-2 weeks apart. Early treatment with a series of blocks provides the best chance of sustained improvement.
APSI Wellness — Advanced Pain Solutions & Interventions
5405 DuPont Circle Suite A, Milford, OH 45150 | Phone: (513) 936-3050
https://apsiwellness.com/conditions/crps