Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder that affects the nervous system and can cause severe ongoing pain.
Were you recently involved in a car accident in the St. Louis area and are now struggling with ongoing pain in your arm or leg? If so, it’s possible that you may be experiencing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Below, we’ll take a closer look at CRPS, its causes and symptoms, and common treatment options after a car accident in St. Louis.
What Exactly is CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder that affects the nervous system and can cause severe ongoing pain. It’s characterized by severe pain and swelling in an affected region, often after an injury or surgery. CRPS typically affects the limbs, although it can also occur in other areas of the body.
CRPS Symptoms
CRPS can take many forms, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people may only experience mild pain and discomfort, while others may have severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts their quality of life. The most common symptoms of CRPS include:
- Severe pain in the affected region
- Swelling and inflammation
- Changes in skin color, temperature, and texture
- Impaired motor function and mobility
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or cold
- Loss of function in the affected limb
It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as early treatment may help reduce the severity of the condition.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for CRPS, including:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and function in the affected limb, reduce pain, and prevent muscle atrophy.
- Medications: Painkillers, antidepressants, and nerve block injections can help manage pain and other CRPS symptoms.
- Spinal cord stimulation: This treatment involves implanting a small device that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord to block pain signals.
- Nerve blocks: Nerve blocks involve the injection of a local anesthetic or other medications into the affected area to block pain signals.
- Psychological counseling: CRPS can often be accompanied by depression and anxiety, and psychological counseling can help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged nerves or remove scar tissue.
It’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
If you have been involved in a car accident in St. Louis and are experiencing symptoms of CRPS, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early treatment can often help reduce the severity of the condition and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke, or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.
What causes Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a malfunction in the central and peripheral nervous systems. CRPS is believed to be a result of damage to or malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems, where high levels of nerve impulses are sent to the affected site.
What are the 3 stages of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
CRPS can be divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: Acute stage, which may last for 1 to 3 months, includes symptoms such as severe, burning pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch.
- Stage 2: Dystrophic stage, which may last 3 to 6 months, includes worsening pain, changes in skin color and temperature, and decreased hair/nail growth.
- Stage 3: Atrophic stage, where the skin may become pale, tight, and glossy, and there may be muscle loss and limited mobility in the affected area.
Who treats Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Treatment of CRPS is typically multidisciplinary. Healthcare professionals involved in treating CRPS may include pain specialists, neurologists, physiotherapists, and, in some cases, psychologists. The focus is on pain management, physical therapy, and psychological support.
How can a lawyer help with CRPS?
A lawyer, particularly one specializing in personal injury, can assist individuals with CRPS in navigating the legal aspects related to their condition, especially if it resulted from an injury due to someone else’s negligence. They can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
At The Hoffman Law Firm, our St. Louis car accident attorneys have been protecting the rights of injured car accident victims in St. Louis, Missouri for 25 years. If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with a car accident lawyer 24/7 to ensure your legal rights are protected, including your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Free Consultation (314) 361-4242