Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment in San Antonio, Texas
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a long-lasting condition with intense pain symptoms that generally appear in an external limb after an injury or trauma. Occasionally, the pain continues unexpectedly after the initial injury and may be associated with swelling, stiffness, skin discoloration, temperature changes, and even loss of motion.
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Pain Management of SA, located in Live Oak, Texas, is staffed with experienced CRPS specialists who fully understand the intricate nature of this condition. We offer personalized complex regional pain syndrome treatment to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Serving San Antonio and nearby areas, our goal is to reduce your pain and restore your mobility through customized CRPS treatment plans designed just for you.
Understanding CRPS & It's Types
There are two main types of CRPS:
- CRPS I (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - RSD) : This type occurs without a direct nerve injury.
- CRPS II (Post-traumatic CRPS) : This type develops after a direct nerve injury.
The exact cause of CRPS is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including:
- Abnormal functioning of the nervous system
- Inflammation
- Immune system response
Symptoms of CRPS
The primary symptom of CRPS is persistent and burning pain that is often out of proportion to pain expected following the initial injury. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Changes in skin color (redness, mottling)
- Changes in skin temperature (either warmer or more relaxed than the other limb)
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Changes in sweat production (increased or decreased)
- Hair loss or growth abnormalities
- Difficulty sleeping
Diagnosing CRPS
There is no single test to diagnose CRPS. Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of factors, including:
- Your medical history and physical examination
- Symptoms
- Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI) to rule out other causes of pain
Trust in Pain Management of SA
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, locate your nearest Pain Management of SA and schedule an appointment today.
CRPS Treatment at Pain Management of SA
CRPS has no known cure, but treatment can control pain more effectively and restore optimal limb function. To treat CRPS, our clinic located near San Antonio, Texas has a multi-disciplinary approach that involves the following:
Medical drugs
There are a variety of drugs that may be used in the treatment of inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. These include anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory medication and neuropathic agents.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can greatly improve CRPS. It helps you to regain your range of motion, strengthen muscles and desensitize the affected area. Techniques may involve mirror therapy, graded motor imagery (GMI), and desensitization exercises.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
This involves placing a small device close to the spinal cord that delivers mild electrical pulses, which can disrupt pain signals.
Peripheral nerve blocks
Local anesthetic injections mixed with steroids can sometimes temporarily block specific nerves’ pain signals.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals manage their pain and coping skills, positively impacting them.
Why Choose Pain Management of SA for CRPS Treatment?
At Pain Management of SA, we understand that CRPS patients face immense challenges. Our CRPS specialists know how to properly deal with this complex condition. We provide several holistic therapies and will closely work with you while designing your personalized treatment plan.
All-inclusive services
This patient-centered care for CRPS consists of using different approaches to combat pain, such as medications, exercise therapy, and more.
Veteran team
Our chronic pain clinicians are well trained and experienced in handling CRPS.
Personalized management
We thoroughly research your symptoms as well as your lifestyle in order to provide targeted care.
Empathetic treatment
We understand that CRPS can have a significant emotional impact on our patients. We empathize with you, and we work to provide any emotional support services you may require.
Living with CRPS
CRPS is difficult to live with, but it is possible to improve your quality of life. Below are some helpful tips to manage your CRPS pain:
- Keep moving : You should be physically active to manage pain and increase bodily function. Seek help from a physical therapist to develop a safe and efficient exercise regime.
- Manage anxiety : When you are stressed, pain symptoms can worsen. Manage stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or just being in a quiet, natural environment.
- Find a support group : It may be very beneficial to be around people who have experienced what you are going through. Many online and offline support groups exist in support of CRPS patients.
- Learn about CRPS : The more you understand your illness, the easier it will be to manage it.
FAQs About CRPS
Pain Management at San Antonio provides individualized programs that include drug therapy, physiotherapy, nerve blocking, spinal cord stimulation, and infusion techniques.
We administer medication, physical therapy services, nerve blockades, procedures involving stimulation with spinal column devices, and intravenous infusions to mitigate pain and enhance our patients’ quality of life.