About 80% of new patients at California Pain Medicine Center have complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The pain management team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of CRPS symptoms and is nationally known for its high level of care. The team provides comprehensive diagnostic testing services to confirm CRPS. They also tailor treatment plans to manage chronic CRPS pain using medications, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Call the Santa Monica, California, office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for complex regional pain syndrome or book a consultation online today.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can develop after you suffer an injury, such as a bone fracture or a deep cut. This condition generally causes persistent pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet and rarely affects other parts of your body.
The underlying cause of CPRS isn’t well understood, but an injury to your peripheral or central nervous system may contribute to your pain.
Your risk factors for developing CPRS may increase if you’re female. You may also be at higher risk for this type of pain condition if you have surgery, a heart attack, or a stroke.
Symptoms of CRPS can include:
You may also notice changes in the texture of your skin and the growth of your hair and nails in the affected limb.
The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome can vary from person to person and may change over time. If you experience changes in your skin and nails, the condition may be irreversible. For this reason, an early diagnosis is important to preserve the function of your limb.
The professionals at California Pain Medicine Center are experts in diagnosing and treating CRPS. Because there isn’t a specific test to diagnose CRPS, the physicians may order X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other tests to aid in diagnosing CRPS.
There are several treatment options available to manage the pain of complex regional pain syndrome.
Joshua Prager, MD, MS, has extensive training in the treatment of CRPS and mentored under two retired CRPS experts. Dr. Prager treats people from around the world using therapies like over-the-counter and prescription medications to relieve swelling and pain. Dr. Barnard has trained under some of the same experts as Dr. Prager and has been lucky to obtain the mentorship of Dr. Prager.
If your pain is severe, you may be a candidate for an intrathecal pump (pain pump), an implantable device that delivers pain-relieving medications directly into your spine. The team at California Pain Medicine Center also offers physical therapy to restore function and range of motion in the affected limb.
Because the pain of CRPS can be severe and alter your quality of life, you can also receive counseling, psychological support, and intervention therapy to cope with the impact CRPS has on your life and mobility.
To learn more about the available treatment options for complex regional pain syndrome, call California Pain Medicine Center or schedule an appointment online today.
