Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a chronic disorder that affects the nerves and bones of an individual. According to Dr. Rohan Jotwani, an interventional pain specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, CRPS can occur after surgery or from other injuries to the nerve.
Diagnosing the condition is difficult as no test or scan can definitively identify it, and many doctors may not be familiar with it. Physicians rely on clinical criteria, including extreme levels of pain at the source, swelling, changes in temperature and skin color, and texture changes. Treatment typically starts with physical therapy, medication to decrease nerve signals, and interventional techniques such as a nerve block.
For patients like Amber Meade, who experienced debilitating pain after surgery, finding a treatment that works is often challenging. After nearly a year of seeing different specialists, Meade was finally diagnosed with CRPS. With the help of her physical therapist Dr. Anita Davis, she developed a personalized physical therapy routine and learned relaxation and emotional exercises to cope with the mental load of constant pain.
While CRPS patients can experience improvements in symptoms for a length of time, it is considered a lifelong condition with no cure. Meade’s experience shows that with the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
Today, Meade is able to focus on her day-to-day activities, sleep better, and enjoy simple pleasures like walking on the beach with her family. She hopes to continue improving her functionality and eventually return to work and be more active. With a combination of physical therapy, medication, and ketamine infusions, Meade has learned to live with CRPS and make the most of each day.
(Note: The article has been simplified and restructured for better readability and concision.)
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chronic-regional-pain-syndrome-physical-therapy-florida