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CRPS Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about complex regional pain syndrome

Are you or is someone you love struggling with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? You likely have more questions than answers. At the CRPS Law Firm, we’re not just attorneys. We try to be guides and supporters for people going through this confusing condition. Below, we’ll address the questions we hear most often so you can better understand your rights, your legal options, and how to move forward with your life.

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Table of Contents

What is CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic pain condition most often affecting a limb (like the arm, leg, hand, or foot). It tends to develop after an injury, surgery, fracture, or even sometimes without an obvious cause. With CRPS, the pain is often much worse than one would expect from the original injury. Over time, the nervous system becomes overly sensitive or dysregulated, causing ongoing pain, swelling, skin changes, and other symptoms.

There are two main types of CRPS:

  • Type I (formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD) occurs when there is no confirmed nerve damage.
  • Type II (formerly called causalgia) occurs when a distinct nerve injury is present.

What types of symptoms does CRPS cause?

The symptoms may be different for each person. But here are some common signs:

  • Severe, burning, or "electric" pain.
  • Things that usually don't hurt (like a light touch or a temperature change) can become painful, which is called allodynia.
  • Swelling in the affected limb.
  • Changes in the skin, such as discoloration (pink, red, purple, or blotchy), shiny or thin skin, or changes in temperature (warmer or cooler than the other side).
  • Changes in hair growth, nail growth, or sweating in the area.
  • Less movement, stiff or weak muscles, and not being able to fully use the limb.
  • In some cases, cognitive or memory problems, tiredness, emotional distress, or mood changes.

CRPS affects many different systems in the body, including nerves, blood vessels, skin, and immune responses. This can make it feel like you have a lot of different problems at once.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

One of the hardest things about CRPS is that there isn't one test that can show it. Instead, doctors use clinical criteria, the patient's medical history, physical exam results, and sometimes extra tests to rule out other possible causes to make a diagnosis. The "Budapest criteria" is a standard that doctors often use. It says that a person must have a certain set of symptoms (pain, sensory changes, autonomic signs, motor changes) and can't have any other explanations.

Tests that are sometimes used in addition are:

  • Thermography, or measuring the temperature of the skin.
  • Bone scans.
  • MRI or X-rays (to make sure there are no broken bones or other damage to the structure).
  • Tests for blood flow or sweating.
  • Quantitative sensory testing (to see how well the nerves send signals).

It's very important to keep track of your symptoms over time and work with doctors who know a lot about pain and neurology because CRPS is partly a diagnosis of exclusion (ruling out other conditions).

What causes CRPS, and who is most at risk?

The exact cause of CRPS is not yet fully understood. Current theories suggest that after an injury, the nervous system overreacts. Inflammatory chemicals are released, nerve signals become dysregulated, and abnormal cross-talk forms between pain fibers, sympathetic fibers, and immune cells. Common triggers for CRPS include:

  • Fractures, broken bones, and sprains.
  • Surgical procedures and medical interventions.
  • Soft tissue injuries.
  • Minor injuries or procedures where nerve irritation may occur.

Risk factors include:

  • Being female, as CRPS is more common in women
  • Middle age, although CRPS can happen in younger or older patients
  • Delayed treatment or poor initial management of the injury

It’s important to emphasize that while an injury often precipitates CRPS, many people with similar injuries never develop it. Something about the individual’s nervous and immune system makes the difference.

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Will CRPS symptoms spread or worsen over time?

Yes, CRPS can spread to other parts of the body in many cases. This spreading can happen in nearby areas and even in other limbs, but not everyone has it. If CRPS isn't diagnosed or treated correctly right away, the symptoms can get worse, and the changes to the skin, muscles, and bones may become more permanent.

This is why it is so important to get diagnosed early and start a quick, multidisciplinary treatment plan. These plans aim to stop the disease from getting worse and keep the body working.

Is CRPS curable? What is the prognosis?

Unfortunately, CRPS is typically considered to be a chronic condition for which there is no guaranteed cure. In many cases, people will live with symptoms long-term, though the severity may vary. Having said that, remission or significant improvement is possible, especially when the condition is caught early and treated aggressively.

The prognosis differs from person to person. Some people achieve good functional recovery, while others may endure persistent pain and disability. What matters is how quickly treatment begins and how comprehensive it is.

What kinds of treatments are available for CRPS?

Because CRPS is so complex, treatment almost always combines several approaches. Here are some common options:

  • Medications, including pain relievers, neuropathic pain medications (like gabapentin or pregabalin), antidepressants or anticonvulsants, steroids, opioids, and other drugs (like nerve block agents).
  • Physical and occupational therapy, including gentle movement and desensitization exercises, mirror therapy, massage, and stretching and strengthening as tolerated.
  • Interventional and procedural therapies, including nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and intrathecal pumps.
  • Psychological care, including pain psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, stress management, and relaxation techniques.
  • Lifestyle, support, and self-care, including gentle pacing of activities, avoiding extreme temperature changes or further trauma to the area, ensuring good sleep, nutrition, and self-care, and working with pain and rehabilitation specialists.

Because every person is different, a doctor experienced with CRPS (pain specialist, neurologist, physiatrist) should lead the development of the treatment plan.

Can I sue someone for CRPS?

You may have a legal claim if your CRPS resulted from someone else's negligence or malpractice. However, CRPS cases tend to be more complicated than typical personal injury claims. At the CRPS Law Firm, we often see scenarios like these:

  • Medical malpractice. If a surgery, procedure, or medical treatment was negligently carried out or mismanaged, and CRPS resulted.
  • Personal injury. If a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or other negligent act triggered or worsened your CRPS.
  • Workers' compensation. If CRPS developed due to a work-related injury, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

However, there may be several legal challenges to your case. Because CRPS is partly subjective and lacks a definitive test, the insurance companies often dispute causation or severity. You'll also likely need medical experts to testify about how the negligent act caused or triggered your CRPS. The defendant could argue that your CRPS was due to a prior injury or condition, or that only part of your suffering is compensable.

Because of these complications, it's important to work with attorneys who understand CRPS. The CRPS Law Firm specializes in these cases and has the medical and legal tools to build a strong argument on your behalf.

What compensation can I recover?

If your case succeeds (by settlement or verdict), potential damages include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Other costs directly tied to the injury and CRPS

Every case is different. The more documentation, expert testimony, and a clear causal story you can provide, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation.

What should I do if I suspect I have CRPS?

If you think you might have CRPS or that someone else's carelessness may have caused it, you should do the following.

  • Talk to a doctor who knows a lot about CRPS. You have the best chance of getting better if you get treatment early and aggressively.
  • Write down everything. Keep a pain diary that includes the location, time, intensity, and triggers of your pain. Also, take pictures of any swelling or changes in your skin. Finally, keep all of your medical records and bills.
  • Don't put off getting legal help. Get in touch with the skilled lawyers at the CRPS Law Firm. The sooner you get legal help, the better we can keep evidence, talk to experts, and protect your rights.
  • Stick to your treatment plan. Take part in therapy, take your medications, and do what your care team tells you to do.
  • Keep getting help. It's very important to get emotional and mental support when you have CRPS. Get in touch with support groups, therapists, or other people who know what it's like to be in pain all the time.

Can CRPS be considered a disability?

Yes. Depending on how bad your symptoms are and how they affect your ability to work, function, or live your daily life, CRPS may be considered a disability by local, state, or federal law. You might be able to get Social Security Disability benefits. You may also be able to get workplace accommodations or adjustments made under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your CRPS is work-related, you may be eligible for disability benefits from workers' compensation.

Our knowledgeable lawyers can help you figure out which path or paths might be right for you and help you get the evidence you need.

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Are there things I should avoid doing with CRPS?

Yes. As CRPS involves nerves, certain stresses may worsen your symptoms. Some red flags include:

  • Extreme temperature changes (either very hot or very cold).
  • Harsh pressure or tight clothing around the affected area.
  • Vibrations (like car rides or heavy machinery).
  • Overexertion or repetitive strain that can overwhelm your system.
  • Emotional stress, sleep deprivation, or poor self-care can all exacerbate pain.

However, avoiding using the limb at all can also backfire. Loss of use can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, or atrophy. Therefore, your care team should guide you on safe pacing and activities.

How can the CRPS Law Firm help me?

Our attorneys are dedicated to CRPS and injury cases. Here is what we do for clients:

  • We review your medical and accident records, assess liability, and help you understand your legal options.
  • We bring in physicians, neurologists, pain specialists, and other experts who understand CRPS to support your case.
  • We help gather, organize, and preserve the medical, technical, and factual evidence needed.
  • We deal with insurance companies, defend against attacks on your credibility, and prepare for trial if needed.
  • We work to recover all possible damages: medical, lost wages, pain & suffering, future care, etc.
  • We strive to support you emotionally, explain legal steps in plain terms, and walk with you through this difficult journey.

If you believe CRPS has deeply affected your life, don’t face this battle alone. We offer free initial case reviews and would be honored to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

CRPS is a puzzling, painful, and often devastating condition. While medicine continues to learn more about its causes and treatments, one thing is certain: you do not have to accept injustice if your CRPS is due to someone else’s negligence or malpractice.

At the CRPS Law Firm, we believe in combining legal skill with empathy, listening to your story, and fighting for the compensation and dignity you deserve. We encourage you to reach out, ask questions, and begin building your support team, both medical and legal, as soon as possible. If you have additional questions or want to talk through your situation, we’re here. Contact the CRPS Law Firm today for a free consultation by calling our offices or filling out our contact form.