Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatments

Treatment

Treatment aims to relieve pain and improve function. Visit the doctor as soon as possible. Early therapy may lead to better outcomes. In some cases, the condition goes away on its own; this is more common in children.

Treatment options include:

• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy—Active and passive exercises help maintain function. Exercising in a warm pool may feel better than exercising on land.
• Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS)—A device worn on the skin surface creates a tingling sensation and may relieve pain in some cases.
• Medication
  • Anti-anxiety medications, low-dose antidepressants, and drugs used to treat epilepsy
  • Pain medications, such as narcotics
  • Other drugs to control symptoms
• Sympathetic nerve block—The injection of drugs that prevent the transmission of signals along sympathetic nerves may temporarily relieve pain in some cases.
• Sympathectomy—If the nerve block is successful, a surgeon can permanently destroy sympathetic nerves. In some cases, surgery can worsen symptoms.
• Psychological support— Long-term pain often leads to depression or anxiety . Counseling is often required to help patients deal with chronic pain and loss of function.