Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Complex regional pain syndrome ( CRPS ), previously referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a condition resulting in burning pain, stiffness, swelling, and discoloration of the hand. CRPS includes other medical diagnoses, including causalgia, Sudeck's atrophy, and shoulder-hand syndrome. CRPS occurs as result of abnormally overactive sympathetic nervous system that controls the blood flow and sweat glands in an extremity. A burning pain, swelling, and warmth are felt in the affected extremity. If not treated, CRPS can cause stiffness and a loss of use of the affected extremity. In the worse cases, the results can be permanent The cause of CRPS is frequently unknown. CRPS is felt to occur as the result of stimulation of sensory nerve fibers. Those regions of the body rich in nerve endings such as the fingers, hands, wrist, and ankles are most commonly affected. Often, an injury can cause CRPS, especially when placing pr...