Symptoms of CRPS
Making the diagnosis
There is no single diagnostic tool for CRPS / RSD. Doctors diagnose it based on the patient's history, clinical examination, and laboratory results.
Clinicians should rule out any other conditions that would otherwise explain the degree of pain and dysfunction before considering CRPS / RSD.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment offer the best chance for effective treatment and possible remission of CRPS / RSD.
Check list of symptoms:
There is no gold standard for diagnosing CRPS / RSD. If the pain gets worse, not better, and if the pain is more severe than you would expect from the original injury, it could be CRPS / RSD.
Look for these telltale signs and symptoms:
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Pain that is described as deep, aching, cold, burning, and / or increased sensitivity of the skin.
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An initial injury or traumatic event, such as a sprain, fracture, minor surgery, etc., that should not cause as intense pain as is experienced or where the pain does not subside with healing.
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Pain (moderate to severe) associated with allodynia, meaning pain from something that shouldn't cause pain, such as the touch of clothing or a shower
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Continuous pain (moderate to severe) associated with hyperalgesia, that is, increased sensitivity to painful stimulation)
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Abnormal swelling in the affected area
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Abnormal hair or nail growth
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Abnormal changes in skin color
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Abnormal skin temperature, that is, one side of the body is warmer or colder than the other by more than 1 ° C
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Abnormal sweating of the affected area
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Limited range of motion, weakness, or other motor disorders such as paralysis or dystonia.
Symptoms and signs can increase and decrease.
It can affect anyone, but is more common in women, with a recent increase in the number of children and adolescents being diagnosed.
Please note that this information is not intended to be medical advice, nor is it a substitute for diagnosis made by a qualified medical professional. Don't hesitate to share the information with your doctor or doctors.
The professional who can help you find the diagnosis is an anesthesiologist with a sub-specialty in Algology.