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 pressure on the nerves such as in a crush injury.  CRPS commonly occurs after an injury as minor as having blood drawn, or a sprained ankle.  Other times, it may be the result of a more significant injury such as surgery, a fracture, immobilization with casting or splinting, or the result of a stroke.  Other causes include infection, cancer, neck or low back disorders, stroke, or heart attack.  These conditions can cause pain, which sets off the sympathetic reflex, causing symptoms of CRPS.  Nerve injuries may change the way the nerve impulses are sent, causing a "short circuit."  Risk factors for developing CRPS include immobilization of the affected limb; smoking; genetics; and psychological factors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Bruce E. Ellison, Orthopaedic Surgeon, discusses ConFormis Bone Sparing Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

-
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative condition affecting millions of Americans. Though often associated with the aging, osteoarthritis involves an overproduction of degradation enzymes which attack and destroyed cartilage. Healthy joints, including the knee, are covered by a layer of articular cartilage. The cartilage acts as a cushion providing for smooth gliding surface during range of motion. The articular cartilage has no nerves, and thus there is no pain with activity. However as anyone who has broken a bone knows, there are abundant nerves and pain receptors at the bone. In the knee with osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears away and becomes roughened. If the wear becomes significant, the rubbing a one rough bony surface on another can result in debilitating pain, with resulting stiffness and swelling. Nonoperative treatment options include behavior modification, drug therapies including hyaluronic acid and steroid injections, braces and electrical stimulation. Oper
Read more

Doctor Bruce Ellison Palo Alto Calif 94305 Discusses Shoulder Arthroscopy

-
BEACH-CHAIR POSITION Dr. Ellison uses the beach chair position almost exclusively. Beach-chair position provides faster and easier patient positioning, reduces risk of neurapraxias because traction is not used. There is reduced distortion of intraarticular capsular anatomy, improved mobility of the patient's arm, and easier conversion to open surgery since repositioning and repreparation is not required. In the beach-chair position, either general anesthesia or interscalene block can be used. Interscalene block allows the patient to be awake and can assist in controlling the posotion of the head. The knees are flexed to provide counterpressure against the posterior thigh, which will reduce the tendency to slide off the table during surgery. Flexion also decreases tension on the posterior neurovascular structures of the legs. The affected shoulder is brought off the side of the table for access during the procedure. The head is supported in a neurosurgical headrest
Read more