While most often, the reason for painful areas in the body can be identified, there are some instances in which it is more difficult than others. When it comes to complex regional pain syndrome awareness can be the difference between successful treatment or prolonged discomfort. In most case, CRPS is a condition which begins in one area of the body after a injury or illness and manifests swelling in another, usually a limb. Other symptoms include extreme pain and limited movement, often followed by discomfort in skin and bone.
CRPS has the potential to start in one area, most often a limb, then spread to other areas of the body. While only 35% of effected individuals report this being the case, there are many whom experience CRPS whom do not realize the reason behind the widespread pain and discomfort. There are two subtypes of CRPS, one which effects the nerves on a permanent basis known as causalgia, and one in which there is no damage, known as sympathetic dystrophy.
CRPS is uncommon and causes are not clearly understood at this time. When treatment is started as soon as symptoms occur, it is more likely treatment will be successful. As such, improvement and remission are often possible except in more severe cases in which damage to the nerve or nerves may be permanent.
A number of medical professionals propose that inflammation or alteration perceived in the nervous system play a vital role in the development of pain. While, others suggest that pain could be a result of a number of different stimuli or caused by nerves which release neuropeptides and inflammatory molecules in the area. Whereas, the majority of health care professionals appear to believe it is due to inappropriate communication due to a block between the sensory and motor fibers near the effected area.
Current treatment for CRPS involves a multidisciplinary approach in which health care providers often prescribe medication along with occupational or physical therapy, psychological counseling and nerve modulation. Regardless of the type of treatment, results are generally unsatisfactory, especially if treatment is postponed after the condition first presents symptoms.
Symptoms can be different for each individual though most present as inflammation first, followed by long periods of extreme pain. The symptoms and signs of CRPS generally manifest closest to the site of an illness or injury. Whereas, the most common symptoms are intense burning, stabbing, grinding and throbbing. In almost all cases, the severity of pain associated with CRPS is out of proportion to that of the original event responsible for the development of the condition.
Both types of CRPS are autonomic dysfunctions which often present with cyanosis, changes in temperatures, and at times, edema. Localized swelling and sensitivity to things not normally associated with discomfort such as touch, wind, water, vibration and noise can also be indicative of the condition. Whereas, changes in bone density, skin color and texture, joint stiffness and changes in hair and nails can also be common.
When first discovered, CRPS was thought to effect people in stages. Since that time, researchers and scientists have found that the condition does not progress through stages. Rather, there are no time constraints when it comes to CRPS which indicates the condition could potentially be related to events which have just occurred.
CRPS has the potential to start in one area, most often a limb, then spread to other areas of the body. While only 35% of effected individuals report this being the case, there are many whom experience CRPS whom do not realize the reason behind the widespread pain and discomfort. There are two subtypes of CRPS, one which effects the nerves on a permanent basis known as causalgia, and one in which there is no damage, known as sympathetic dystrophy.
CRPS is uncommon and causes are not clearly understood at this time. When treatment is started as soon as symptoms occur, it is more likely treatment will be successful. As such, improvement and remission are often possible except in more severe cases in which damage to the nerve or nerves may be permanent.
A number of medical professionals propose that inflammation or alteration perceived in the nervous system play a vital role in the development of pain. While, others suggest that pain could be a result of a number of different stimuli or caused by nerves which release neuropeptides and inflammatory molecules in the area. Whereas, the majority of health care professionals appear to believe it is due to inappropriate communication due to a block between the sensory and motor fibers near the effected area.
Current treatment for CRPS involves a multidisciplinary approach in which health care providers often prescribe medication along with occupational or physical therapy, psychological counseling and nerve modulation. Regardless of the type of treatment, results are generally unsatisfactory, especially if treatment is postponed after the condition first presents symptoms.
Symptoms can be different for each individual though most present as inflammation first, followed by long periods of extreme pain. The symptoms and signs of CRPS generally manifest closest to the site of an illness or injury. Whereas, the most common symptoms are intense burning, stabbing, grinding and throbbing. In almost all cases, the severity of pain associated with CRPS is out of proportion to that of the original event responsible for the development of the condition.
Both types of CRPS are autonomic dysfunctions which often present with cyanosis, changes in temperatures, and at times, edema. Localized swelling and sensitivity to things not normally associated with discomfort such as touch, wind, water, vibration and noise can also be indicative of the condition. Whereas, changes in bone density, skin color and texture, joint stiffness and changes in hair and nails can also be common.
When first discovered, CRPS was thought to effect people in stages. Since that time, researchers and scientists have found that the condition does not progress through stages. Rather, there are no time constraints when it comes to CRPS which indicates the condition could potentially be related to events which have just occurred.
About the Author:
There are numerous online sources that contain useful information about complex regional pain syndrome awareness. Find out everything you need to know from this website at http://www.fighting4us.com/awards today.