Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and progressive (nerve) pain disorder. CRPS is marked by intense burning or aching pain. Patients may also experience swelling, skin discoloration, altered temperature, abnormal sweating, and hypersensitivity in the affected area. The cause is unknown although most cases occur after trauma to the body (surgery, fractures, even a sprained ankle) and there is no cure. It may spread to other parts of the body. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain.

It is believed to be connected to EDS.

CRPS and RSD are the same disorder. I may use both in my blog posts.

I had been in remission for more than 3 years until recently. Hardware in my right leg triggered a relapse temporarily. That resolved after removal of the hardware. However, after an inversion of my left ankle that resulted in a dislocated cuboid bone, CRPS came back in my left foot. An anesthesiologist recommended trying Ketamine during surgery, and that was successful as alleviating that flare.

Fact Sheet for CRPS/RSD