Treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and often devastating condition that can arise after an injury, surgery, or trauma to a limb. Characterized by persistent, severe pain and a wide range of neurological, skin, and mobility changes, CRPS can significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life. There is no one-size-fits-all cure, but a variety of treatments are available that may relieve symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the quality of life for patients.
At Gilbert Adams Law Offices, we work with clients across Texas who have developed CRPS due to injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. In many cases, these individuals not only face long-term pain and disability but also mounting medical bills and lost wages from being unable to work. Understanding the available treatment options is critical, not only for your health but also for demonstrating the seriousness of your injury in a personal injury claim. Learn more below, and contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices to get justice, care, and compensation with the help of a skilled and knowledgeable Texas CRPS injury lawyer.
Early Diagnosis Makes a Difference
One of the most important factors in successfully treating CRPS is early diagnosis. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances are of limiting the condition’s progression and preserving function in the affected limb. Unfortunately, CRPS is often misdiagnosed or dismissed as psychosomatic because its symptoms can be difficult to quantify and vary from person to person.
Common early symptoms include burning pain, swelling, sensitivity to touch or cold, skin color or temperature changes, and decreased range of motion. If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, especially in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, it’s critical to speak with a specialist who understands CRPS and can begin an appropriate treatment plan.
Multimodal Treatment Approaches
Because CRPS affects nerves, skin, muscles, and even bones, treatment typically requires a combination of approaches involving pain management, physical therapy, psychological support, and sometimes surgical intervention. No single treatment works for everyone, and managing CRPS often involves trial and error to find the best combination for each individual.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
One of the foundations of CRPS treatment is physical and occupational therapy. Movement and exercise are essential not only for maintaining function in the affected limb but also for retraining the nervous system. A skilled physical therapist can help develop a gentle, progressive exercise plan to improve circulation, increase mobility, and reduce pain.
Therapies may include desensitization exercises, mirror therapy, graded motor imagery, and aquatic therapy. The goal is to keep the affected limb moving as much as possible, which can help prevent muscle wasting, joint stiffness, and the spread of symptoms to other parts of the body.
Medications
Several types of medications may be used to treat CRPS, depending on the symptoms and their severity. These may include:
- Pain relievers, such as over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription medications, to manage inflammation and discomfort.
- Antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which are commonly used to treat nerve pain and may help reduce the intensity of CRPS symptoms.
- Corticosteroids, often prescribed early in the condition’s development to reduce inflammation.
- Bisphosphonates, which may help reduce bone pain and loss sometimes seen in CRPS patients.
- Topical medications, such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream, for targeted pain relief.
In more severe cases, opioid pain medications may be prescribed, although these are typically used with caution due to the risks of long-term dependence and side effects.
Nerve Blocks and Injections
For patients who do not respond to oral medications or physical therapy alone, nerve blocks may provide temporary relief and help break the cycle of chronic pain. A sympathetic nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic near the spine or affected nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. While these blocks are not a cure, they may allow the patient to participate more fully in physical therapy or experience a period of reduced pain.
Some patients may also benefit from trigger point injections or intravenous ketamine infusions, which can help with pain management in certain cases.
Spinal Cord Stimulation and Implanted Devices
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, more advanced interventions may be considered. One option is spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a procedure that involves implanting a small device near the spinal cord to deliver electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals. For some patients with severe, treatment-resistant CRPS, SCS has been shown to provide significant long-term relief.
Other options may include intrathecal pain pumps, which deliver medication directly into the spinal fluid, or dorsal root ganglion stimulation, a more targeted form of neuromodulation for CRPS affecting specific limbs.
Psychological Support and Pain Coping Strategies
Living with chronic pain can take a serious emotional toll. Many CRPS patients experience anxiety, depression, frustration, and even post-traumatic stress, especially if the condition developed after a serious accident. That’s why psychological support is considered an essential part of CRPS treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, biofeedback, and support groups can all help patients learn to cope with pain, manage stress, and improve their emotional well-being. Pain is not just a physical experience, and addressing the psychological component can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
Experimental and Alternative Therapies
Because CRPS is a difficult condition to treat, some patients explore alternative or experimental therapies when traditional treatments don’t bring sufficient relief. These may include acupuncture, chiropractic care, or emerging technologies like low-level laser therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. While not all of these approaches are backed by strong scientific evidence, some individuals do report improvements.
It’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with your physician or legal counsel, especially if you are in the middle of a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may try to use non-traditional treatment choices to argue that your injuries are exaggerated or that you’re not following accepted medical advice.
Financial and Legal Considerations of CRPS Treatment
CRPS treatment can be expensive and time-consuming, often requiring long-term therapy, multiple specialist visits, and potentially costly medical procedures. If your CRPS was caused by something like a car or truck wreck, fall, or oilfield explosion, you should not be left to bear the financial burden alone.
At Gilbert Adams Law Offices, we understand how devastating CRPS can be, both physically and financially. We help clients pursue compensation for the full range of damages they suffer, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability
Proving the seriousness of CRPS and its impact on your life requires detailed medical documentation, expert testimony, and legal experience. Our team knows how to build a compelling case that shows the true cost of this condition and holds negligent parties accountable.
Don’t Suffer in Silence—We’re Here to Help
CRPS is more than just pain; it is a life-altering condition that requires comprehensive, ongoing care. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CRPS after an accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at Gilbert Adams Law Offices is here to support you with compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation.
We are committed to helping Texans with complex injury claims get the medical treatment and financial compensation they need and deserve. Contact our Beaumont office today for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step forward.