Risk Factors for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can develop after an injury. Characterized by prolonged or unremitting pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, and sometimes changes in skin temperature and color, CRPS can cause life-altering limitations that severely impact a person’s quality of life. The symptoms of CRPS may not manifest for months after a traumatic event resulting in injury which can lead to a delay in diagnosis by your healthcare provider. While not every injury leads to CRPS, certain individuals may be more susceptible to developing this condition due to specific risk factors. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with CRPS can help victims and their families recognize the condition early and obtain appropriate treatment, as well as legal support.

At Gilbert Adams Law Offices, we represent clients throughout Texas who have developed CRPS due to an accident or traumatic event. If you experience the symptoms of CRPS after a car crash, workplace or construction accident, or other serious injury caused by another’s negligence or misconduct, contact our firm to visit with a skilled and experienced Texas CRPS personal injury lawyer.

What Is CRPS?

CRPS is a neurological condition most often triggered by trauma and generally manifests in an extremity such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot. The pain can be disproportionate to the severity of the initial injury and may persist long after the initial injury has stabilized. There are two types of CRPS: Type I (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD) typically follows an injury where no nerve damage is identified, while Type II (causalgia) involves confirmed nerve injury. Symptoms can include burning or throbbing pain, sensitivity to touch or cold, swelling, skin color changes, temperature differences in the affected limb, and decreased mobility.

Because CRPS is difficult to diagnose and often misunderstood, individuals who suffer from it may not receive timely or adequate care. It is important to understand who is at greater risk of developing this painful condition.

Injury-Related Risk Factors

The most significant risk factor for CRPS is a physical injury. Even seemingly minor injuries can trigger the condition. Fractures, sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries are among the most common causes, with fractures of the wrist, ankle, or hand being particularly notable. Surgical procedures, particularly those involving the extremities, can also lead to CRPS. In fact, postoperative CRPS is one of the most commonly reported forms, especially following orthopedic surgeries.

Additionally, penetrating injuries, crush injuries, and even injections or minor medical interventions (like drawing blood or inserting an IV) have been linked to CRPS. The unpredictable nature of the condition means that even minor trauma can result in significant and lasting pain for some individuals, even with the best healthcare providers and treatment.

Nerve Damage and CRPS

A trauma or injury to a nerve generally predates the diagnosis of CRPS Type II. Any incident that damages a peripheral nerve—such as a deep cut, traumatic event, or even surgery —can lead to the onset of CRPS Type II.

Gender and Age

Research has shown that CRPS is more common in women than in men, with some studies suggesting that women are up to three times more likely to develop the condition. Variations in the way men and women experience pain may partly explain this finding.

Age is also thought to play a role. While CRPS can affect individuals of any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Children and older adults can also develop CRPS, but the risk of development appears to peak during middle adulthood.

Preexisting Conditions and Medical History

Some believe that certain preexisting conditions may increase the risk of CRPS. Individuals with a history of migraines, autoimmune disorders, or inflammatory diseases may be more susceptible. There is also evidence to suggest that individuals with osteoporosis, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders may face a higher risk following an injury or surgery.

Additionally, those with a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders may be at greater risk of developing CRPS. While CRPS is not a psychological condition, the symptoms and life changes caused by CRPS can also cause the CRPS victim to experience symptoms of depression. It often leads to a vicious cycle where emotional stress exacerbates pain and interferes with the body’s ability to heal.

Immobilization and Poor Rehabilitation

Another associated risk factor is prolonged immobilization of an injured limb. If a cast or splint is used for an extended period without adequate physical therapy, it can interfere with blood flow and nerve signaling, potentially setting the stage for CRPS.

Workplace and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Certain occupations may carry a higher risk of injuries that could lead to CRPS. Construction workers, healthcare workers, factory employees, and others whose jobs require repetitive motion or exposure to physical trauma are more likely to suffer traumatic injuries which can lead to symptoms of CRPS.

Genetic and Immune System Factors

Although research is still ongoing, some studies suggest a potential genetic component to CRPS. Additionally, the immune system appears to play a role in the development and progression of CRPS. Abnormal immune responses, including the production of autoantibodies, have been found in some CRPS patients, indicating that individual variations in immune function may be a risk factor.

Legal Implications and Seeking Compensation

When CRPS results from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a car crash, fall, or workplace accident—the emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming. CRPS often requires life-long extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgical interventions. In many cases, victims of CRPS are unable to return to work and experience a significant decline in their quality of life.

If you or a loved one developed CRPS following an accident or injury, it’s important to speak with an attorney who understands this complex condition and the legal avenues available for compensation. At Gilbert Adams Law Offices, we advocate for clients suffering from CRPS and other serious, life-altering injuries. We work to hold negligent parties accountable and fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Speak With a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today

CRPS is a devastating condition that can dramatically alter the course of a person’s life. While there is no way to predict exactly who will develop CRPS, understanding the risk factors can help individuals seek early diagnosis and treatment. If you believe your CRPS was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices in Beaumont for a free consultation. We’re here to help you explore your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.