How Do I Know If My Pain Is Caused by CRPS?

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If you’re experiencing unusual, prolonged pain after an injury or surgery in San Jose or nearby areas like Mountain View, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, or San Leandro, you may be wondering what is causing your pain, and wonder: “How do I know if my pain is caused by CRPS?”

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, often debilitating condition that causes severe pain, typically in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, our specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating CRPS, helping patients regain comfort and function.

What Is CRPS?

CRPS, formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a neuropathic pain condition that usually develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain is often out of proportion to the original injury.

There are two types:

  • CRPS-I: Occurs without confirmed nerve injury
  • CRPS-II: Follows a known nerve injury

While CRPS can affect anyone, it’s most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs more frequently in women than men.

Common Symptoms of CRPS

Knowing the signs of CRPS is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can vary in intensity but often include:

  • Burning or throbbing pain in an arm, leg, hand, or foot
  • Sensitivity to touch or cold
  • Swelling and changes in skin temperature or color
  • Stiffness, decreased mobility, or muscle weakness
  • Changes in nail and hair growth
  • Joint tenderness or swelling

Symptoms may start in one limb and spread to others over time if not treated properly.

What Causes CRPS?

The exact cause of CRPS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of:

  • Nerve damage or abnormal nerve signaling
  • Dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous system
  • Immune system responses or inflammation

Triggers often include fractures, sprains, soft tissue injuries, or surgical trauma, even those considered minor.

Diagnosing CRPS in the Bay Area

There’s no single test for CRPS, which is why a thorough evaluation by a pain specialist is key. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, we use:

  • Detailed physical and neurological exams
  • Symptom history analysis
  • Imaging tests (MRI, bone scans)
  • Thermography or sweat tests

Early diagnosis improves outcomes, so if you’re unsure about your pain source, it’s important to be evaluated promptly.

Treatment Options for CRPS

The good news is that CRPS can often be managed effectively, especially when caught early. Our San Jose-area clinics offer multidisciplinary treatment options, including:

  • Nerve blocks or sympathetic nerve injections
  • Physical therapy and desensitization exercises
  • Medications such as anti-inflammatories, neuropathic pain relievers, or corticosteroids
  • Spinal cord stimulation for advanced cases
  • Psychological support to address anxiety and depression associated with chronic pain

We customize treatment to each patient’s needs, aiming to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.

Expert CRPS Care in San Jose and Beyond

If you suspect your chronic pain may be caused by CRPS, don’t wait. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, with locations throughout San Jose, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, and San Leandro, our board-certified specialists can help you get answers and relief. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward managing your pain and reclaiming your life.

Posted on behalf of Allied Pain & Spine Institute