CRPS Facts & Information

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a chronic condition in where an unexplained feeling of pain and discomfort that most commonly affects an arm, leg, hand or foot. Often, it begins in the hand or foot and then spreads to affect the entire limb.

How & Why Does CRPS Develop?

The exact cause of complex regional pain syndrome is not fully understood. It may be related to a variety of causes. CRPS commonly develops after an illness or traumatic injury to an extremity. In some people, the syndrome may be linked to an abnormality of the sympathetic nervous system. Other cases may be related to an abnormality of the immune system.
There are two types of CRPS. Type I, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, develops without any obvious sign of direct nerve injury. It commonly develops after tissue trauma. Type II, which was once called causalgia, is related to direct injury of the nerves.