Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of CRPS is not known. The condition likely results from several factors. It may involve overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which directs automatic body functions that a person cannot control. Inflammation also may play a role in the disorder.

Risk Factors

Minor or severe trauma increases the risk of CRPS:

• Trauma
• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Frostbite
• Surgery
• Penetrating injury
• Crush injury
• An injection into the muscle
• Blood draws
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke