5 Subtle Signs of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a severe debilitating condition that typically affects the limbs following a physical trauma. The most common symptoms are extreme pain, edema, loss of range of motion, temperature fluctuations, and skin changes. Although CRPS can occur anywhere in the body, it most commonly affects the arm, leg, hand, or foot.

While the pain is often intense, the early signs can sometimes be subtle and easy to overlook. Here at Pain Management Specialists, board-certified physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like complex regional pain syndrome to help manage your pain, and improve your quality of life. 

Serving Rockville, and Frederick, Maryland, our team has training to recognize the early signs of CRPS. Here are five subtle signs of CRPS that you should be aware of.

#1: Changes in skin temperature or color

One of the earliest signs of CRPS is a notable change in the warmth or color of the skin in the affected area. The skin may feel warmer or cooler than usual, and the color may shift between red, purple, and pale. 

This is because CRPS affects the autonomic nerve system, which regulates blood flow and body temperature. It’s important to have prolonged changes in skin appearance or temperature investigated following an injury. 

#2: Unexplained swelling

Swelling often shows up early in CRPS but can easily be mistaken for a normal reaction to an injury. Typical swelling, however, is temporary. The body reacts to injury with inflammation, and under normal circumstances that swelling resolves within a few days. 

CRPS-related swelling doesn’t go away as expected. Swelling may persist for weeks or months, sometimes along with a shiny appearance of the skin. This prolonged inflammation is due to the body’s overactive response to trauma, and if left untreated, it can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility in the affected area.

#3: Sensitivity to touch or temperature 

Allodynia, a heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature that normally wouldn’t cause pain, is a hallmark of CRPS. Even a light touch, such as clothing brushing against the skin, can cause severe pain. 

Additionally, exposure to cold or heat can cause exaggerated pain responses. If you notice that your skin is becoming unusually sensitive to touch or temperature changes, this could be an early sign of CRPS.

#4: Muscle weakness or tremors

CRPS doesn’t just affect the skin, it can also cause issues with muscle function. You may start to notice unexplained muscle weakness, tremors, or even spasms in the affected area. 

This happens because CRPS can interfere with the nerves that control your muscles, making them feel fatigued or uncoordinated. This subtle sign is easy to overlook, but is certainly something to pay attention to. 

#5: Joint stiffness or limited mobility

Over time, CRPS can lead to joint stiffness and reduced mobility in the affected limb. In the beginning the change may be subtle, with difficulty moving a finger, wrist, or ankle, but can progress to a major loss of motion if left untreated. 

Early joint stiffness is often the result of prolonged swelling and muscle weakness. Addressing these symptoms early can help prevent long-term damage and improve your range of motion.

Expert pain management

If you suspect that you’re experiencing early signs of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. CRPS can become more difficult to treat as it progresses, but early intervention can help manage pain and improve function. 

The Pain Management Specialist team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized care for conditions like CRPS. This rare, complex condition requires special expertise to manage. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start exploring treatment options that can improve your pain symptoms.