Living With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
If you’re dealing with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), you know how frustrating it can be. You hurt, you don’t know why, and you feel like you should have healed by now. Although there’s no cure for CRPS, there are things you can do to find relief. LA Pain Doctor supports patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA living with CRPS.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding CRPS
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that usually develops after an injury to an arm or leg. The nervous system overreacts, causing pain far beyond what the injury would normally cause, along with swelling, skin changes, and sensitivity to touch or temperature. Because CRPS affects both the body and the mind, a well-rounded approach to care works best.
Daily Strategies for Managing CRPS
- Keep the limb moving: Gentle, regular movement helps prevent stiffness and muscle loss, even when it is uncomfortable.
- Work with a therapist: Physical and occupational therapy can restore function and teach you how to use the limb safely.
- Try desensitization: Gently touching the skin with different textures may help reduce sensitivity over time.
- Protect the limb: Avoid extreme temperatures and wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Manage stress: Relaxation, breathing exercises, and counseling can help reduce flares.
- Prioritize sleep: Good sleep supports healing and pain control.
- Find support: Connecting with others who have CRPS can help you feel less alone.
Medical Treatment Can Help
Early treatment improves the chances of getting CRPS under control. Nerve blocks that target the sympathetic nervous system, such as a stellate ganglion block for the arm or a lumbar sympathetic blocks for the leg, can reduce pain and make therapy easier. Nerve-calming medications through our pain medication management program may also help.
For persistent CRPS, a spinal cord stimulator trial is one of the most effective advanced options, and intrathecal pump implants may be considered in some cases. Read more about living with chronic pain and exercising with chronic pain.
Living With CRPS FAQs
Is there a cure for CRPS?
There is no cure, but many patients improve significantly with early, comprehensive treatment.
Should I move a limb affected by CRPS?
Yes. Gentle, regular movement helps prevent stiffness and loss of function, especially with therapy guidance.
What is desensitization therapy?
It involves gently exposing the skin to different textures to help reduce sensitivity over time.
Can stress make CRPS worse?
Yes. Stress can trigger flares, so relaxation techniques and emotional support are important.
What nerve blocks help CRPS?
Stellate ganglion blocks treat arm CRPS, and lumbar sympathetic blocks treat leg CRPS.
Can a spinal cord stimulator help?
Yes. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the most effective treatments for persistent CRPS.
Where can I get help for CRPS?
Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule a visit at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Find Support for CRPS
Our team has experience helping patients with CRPS. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.