Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Innovative Pain Specialists

Pain Management Specialists & Spine Specialists located in Arlington Heights, IL & Libertyville, IL

Complex regional pain syndrome develops from nerve damage and can cause chronic and often severe pain in one limb. At Innovative Pain Specialists, Paul Marsiglia, DO, and Demetrios Louis, MD, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating complex regional pain syndrome, a condition that gets progressively worse without proper treatment. Getting treatment as early as possible produces the best results, slows down progressive symptoms, and prevents complications. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Arlington Heights or Libertyville, Illinois, or book online today.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Q&A

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, develops when an injury such as a broken bone or surgery causes nerve damage. This damage then leads to chronic (long-lasting) pain.

When you have extensive or severe injuries, physicians can often identify the nerve damage; however, many patients don't have a recognizable injury with obvious nerve damage. As a result, physicians who don't specialize in CRPS may not correctly diagnose the problem.

As specialists in CRPS, the physicians at Innovative Pain Specialists can determine the cause of your pain, accurately diagnose CRPS, and create a treatment plan that improves your symptoms.

What symptoms develop due to complex regional pain syndrome?

The hallmark symptom is severe pain in one limb, whether an arm or leg. The pain may start in your hand or foot and spread into the associated arm or leg. Most patients describe their pain as extreme, burning, throbbing, and debilitating.

In addition to chronic pain, the affected limb gradually develops other symptoms, including:

Swelling in the affected area
Changes in skin color (blue, purple, red, or pale)
Changes in skin temperature (warmer or cooler)
Changes in skin texture
Abnormal sweating
Joint stiffness
Rapid or diminished hair and nail growth
Hypersensitivity to temperature and touch
Tremors or jerking movements
Involuntary muscle contractions
Loss of bone mass and strength
Muscle atrophy (wasting)

Without treatment, you can lose the ability to use the affected arm or leg.

How is complex regional pain syndrome treated?

Your provider at Innovative Pain Specialists reviews your medical history, completes a comprehensive neurological and physical exam, and may order additional diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, an MRI, or a bone scan.

After verifying you have CRPS, your provider creates a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your symptoms.

The team at Innovative Pain Specialists offers treatments that target the sources of your pain. While they avoid addictive pain medications, they may prescribe medications to stop bone loss and relax muscle cramps.

Your provider also recommends treatments such as sympathetic nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation. These therapies stop the nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. When your brain doesn't get the message, you get relief from the pain.

Don't wait to get treatment for CRPS. Call Innovative Pain Specialists or book an appointment online today.

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