Sounds complex!  It’s pretty easy to understand, especially if you have it because who doesn’t understand pain?  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic condition that affects your limbs; arms, legs, hands and feet.   It’s a condition that is more common in women and people over the age of 40, however, it can also strike your teenager! So, what is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?  It is basically damage of the peripheral nervous system either through trauma or injury but in some cases, the cause is completely unknown.   It is painful, most uncomfortable condition.  Not just a passing pain but chronic and sometimes debilitating pain that can come and go, radiate to other limbs, or just remain constant.  It can also appear as a never ending case of ‘pins and needles’. Here is just a short list of some of the symptoms

• Constant pain
• Sensitivity in the limb affected
• Abnormal sweating patterns in the affected area
• Stiffness
• Decreased movement and mobility
• Abnormal movements of the limb, sometimes involuntary

Not all is lost!   If you suspect you have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, your favorite upper extremity specialist at Idaho Hand Institute is ready to check things out!  Come on in and let us do a full assessment and develop a care plan for you.  There are many options for treatment such as rehabilitation, medications and new methods for pain relief that are being studied and approved each year!