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Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to CRPS. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.
The upper extremities, particularly the hands, are most commonly affected. Symptoms progress and may vary during the course of the condition. Pain may spread from one side of the body to another. Many doctors describe symptoms in terms of stages.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Within Hours or Days After Injury
Symptoms may include:
- Deep aching or burning pain, typically more severe than expected from the injury
- Sensitivity to touch or even a light breeze
- Swelling in the arm or leg
- Unusual sweating
- Excessively warm or cool skin
- Hair and nails changes
Symptoms may increase with stress and worsen over time.
3-6 Months After Injury
Symptoms may include :
- Burning pain moves to above and below the initial injury
- Swelling in the arm or leg hardens
- Muscle spasms or weakness develop
- Extremity becomes cold
- Hair growth slows
- Nails become brittle or crack
Six Months or Later After Injury
Symptoms may include :
- A pale, blue, and/or shiny appearance to the skin
- Limited joint movement
- Muscle loss
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. To diagnose CRPS, the doctor uses four criteria:
- An initial traumatic or painful event to a limb, or immobilization of the limb for a period of time
- Continuing pain in the limb that is out of proportion to any stimulus (eg, pain with even light touch)
- History of swelling, changes in skin blood flow, or temperature only in the affected limb
- No other cause for the symptoms
Tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may refer you to a pain specialist for further evaluation and management. Tests may include the following:
- X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
- Bone scan —a special imaging test to check for early changes in bones
- Thermogram—to measure heat radiating from the body, which may be diminished in CRPS extremity
- Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART)—a test that measures problems with the autonomic nervous system, like sweating
- Nerve conduction studies —test that measures the speed and degree of electrical activity in a nerve to determine if it is functioning normally
- Electromyography —measures and records the electrical activity that muscles generate at rest and in response to muscle contraction