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Complex regional pain syndrome

An atlas of disproportionate persistent limb pain after injury, sensory, vasomotor, edema and motor changes, clinical diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

complex regional pain syndrome · CRPS · reflex sympathetic dystrophy

MONDO:0019369Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 462a89662eff

Disease class
CRPS is a persistent pain disorder usually affecting a limb after injury or surgery.
Core mechanism
Pain is disproportionate to the inciting event.
Genes or cause
Sensory changes such as allodynia and hyperalgesia occur.
Typical features
Skin temperature, color, sweating, and edema can change.
Variability
Restricted movement, weakness, tremor, and trophic changes can occur.
Diagnosis
Type I lacks an identified major nerve injury; type II has one.
Management
Diagnosis uses clinical criteria without a specific confirmatory test.
Treatment and research
Thrombosis, infection, joint disease, and neuropathy are excluded.
Reading evidence
Function-focused physical and occupational therapy is central.
Key caution
Pain treatment is individualized to symptoms and function.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

CRPS is a persistent pain disorder usually affecting a limb after injury or surgery.

Skin temperature, color, sweating, and edema can change.

How the disease works

Pain is disproportionate to the inciting event.

Sensory changes such as allodynia and hyperalgesia occur.

Why experiences vary

Restricted movement, weakness, tremor, and trophic changes can occur.

Diagnosis and management

Type I lacks an identified major nerve injury; type II has one.

Treatment status

Diagnosis uses clinical criteria without a specific confirmatory test.

Thrombosis, infection, joint disease, and neuropathy are excluded.

Reading clinical trials

Interventions and neuromodulation are considered in selected refractory cases.

Topics for a clinical visit

Pain distribution, function, skin changes, and alternative diagnoses require review.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.