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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is persistent, often burning pain, usually in one arm or leg, that is much more severe or longer-lasting than expected after the original injury. Temperature, colour, swelling, sensation and movement may change. Early recognition and active rehabilitation with a team offer the best chance of recovery.

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  • CRPS is long-term pain out of proportion to expected healing after an injury or procedure.
  • Usually one arm, hand, leg or foot is affected; symptoms may vary in severity and location.
  • Alongside pain, sensation, swelling, skin colour, temperature, sweating, strength and movement may change.
  • No single scan or blood test proves CRPS. A doctor assesses a combination of features and rules out other causes.
  • Early, coordinated rehabilitation and continued use of the body part are central to treatment.
  • Very rapid change, fever, a cold, pale body part or new loss of function does not automatically fit CRPS and needs urgent assessment.

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Further reading

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C
Chronic painChronic pain lasts longer than the usual healing time, often more than three months. The pain is real, even when tests show no clear damage to explain it. Treatment focuses on safety, functioning and quality of life.
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Neuralgic amyotrophyShoulder nerve inflammation, usually called neuralgic amyotrophy, often starts with sudden, very severe shoulder or arm pain, followed days to weeks later by weakness and muscle wasting. Early assessment is needed to rule out other emergency causes and safely support pain control, breathing and recovery.
N
Neck painNeck pain usually comes from muscles, joints and temporary overloading, and often improves with continued movement. Prompt assessment is needed after an accident, with fever and serious illness, or with new loss of arm or leg function.