Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Original Editors - Katelyn Koeninger and Kristen Storrie from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project and Yves Hubar

Top Contributors Katelyn Koeninger, Kristen Storrie, Laura Ritchie, Laure-Anne Callewaert, Yves Hubar, Angeliki Chorti, Admin, Melissa Coetsee, Evan Thomas, Scott Cornish, Elaine Lonnemann, Kim Jackson, Rachael Lowe, Gayatri Jadav Upadhyay, Gwen Wyns, Matthias Steenwerckx, Vidya Acharya, Lucinda hampton, Habibu Salisu Badamasi, Jo Etherton, Claire Knott, Lauren Lopez, Maria Galve Villa, Michelle Lee, Richmond Stace, WikiSysop, Wendy Walker and Naomi O'Reilly

Introduction

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a term for a complex pain disorder characterised by continuing (spontaneous and/or evoked) regional pain that is seemingly disproportionate in time or degree to the usual course of any known trauma or lesion. Specific clinical features include allodynia, hyperalgesia, sudomotor and vasomotor abnormalities, and trophic changes.

CRPS has a multifactorial pathophysiology involving pain dysregulation in the sympathetic and central nervous systems, and possible genetic, inflammatory, and psychological factors.

Many names have been used to describe this syndrome such as; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, causalgia, algodystrophy, Sudeck’s atrophy, neurodystrophy and post-traumatic dystrophy. To standardise the nomenclature, the name complex regional pain syndrome was adopted in 1995 by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).

Classification and Phenotypes

CRPS is commonly subdivided into Type I and Type II CRPS. Type I occurs in the absence of major nerve damage (minor nerve damage may be present), while Type II occurs following major nerve damage. Despite this distinction, there is a large overlap in clinical features and the primary diagnostic criteria are identical, and the classification therefore may have little clinical importance.

Three stages (stage I - acute up to 3 months, stage II - dystrophic 3-6- months after onset, stage III - atrophic > 6 months) of CRPS progression have been proposed by Bonica in the past, but the existence of these stages has been suggested as unsubstantiated. It is however possible for CRPS subtypes to evolve over time, currently referred to as "warm CRPS" (warm, red, dry and oedematous extremity, inflammatory phenotype) and "cold CRPS" (cold, blue or pale, sweaty and less oedematous, central phenotype). Both of these subtypes present with comparable pain intensity. Warm CRPS is by far the most common in early CRPS, and cold CRPS tends to have a worse prognosis and more persistent symptomatology.

Dimova and associates recentrly proposed another classification based on the findings of the neurological examination. The first group of patients presents with a central phenotype, with motor signs, allodynia, and glove/stocking-like sensory deficits. The second cluster represents a pheripheral inflammation phenotype, involving edema, skin color changes, skin temperature changes, sweating, and trophic changes. The third group has a mixed presentation.

As noted from above, although classification for CRPS shows some variability, there is agreement on mechanisms of central and inflammatory origin. Further research is needed to reach clusters that lead to valid and effective treatment decisions.

Epidemiology

Incidence and Prevalence

CRPS incidence appears to vary according to global location. For example, studies show that Minnesota has an incidence of 5.46 per 100,000 person-years for CRPS type I and 0.82 per 100,000 person-years for CRPS type II, whilst the Netherlands in 2006 had 26.2 cases per 100,000 person-years. Research shows that CRPS is more common in females than males, with a ratio of 3.5:1. CRPS can affect people of all ages, including children as young as three years old and adults as old as 75 years, but typically is most prevalent in the mid-thirties. CRPS Type I occurs in 5% of all traumatic injuries, with 91% of all CRPS cases occurring after surgery.

Location

The location of CRPS varies from person to person, mostly affecting the extremities, occurring slightly more in the lower extremities (+/- 60%) than in the upper extremities (+/- 40%). It can also appear unilaterally or bilaterally.

Prognosis

Approximately 15% of early CRPS (up to 6-18 months duration) fail to recover and early onset of cold CRPS predicts poor recovery.

Aetiology

Complex regional pain syndrome can develop after the occurrence of different types of injuries, such as:

• Minor soft tissue trauma (sprains)
• Surgeries
• Fractures, especially following immobilisation
• Contusions
• Crush injuries
• Nerve lesions
• Stroke

The onset is mostly associated with a trauma, immobilisation, injections, or surgery, but there is no relation between the grade of severity of the initial injury and the following syndrome. In 7% of cases there is no injury or surgery preceding the onset of CRPS.

A study found that excessive baseline pain (>5/10) in the week following wrist fracture surgery increases the risk of developing CRPS. A stressful life and other psychological factors may be potential risk factors that impact the severity of symptoms in CRPS. There is however no compelling evidence that psychiatric disorders contribute to the development of CRPS.

Pathophysiology

Various mechanisms are at play in the development and maintenance of CRPS, including nerve injury, central and peripheral sensitisation, altered sympathetic function, inflammatory and immune factors, brain changes, genetic factors and psychological factors. Little is however known about how these mechanisms interact and it is likely that the relative contribution of each mechanism varies between patients.

CRPS usually follows trauma/surgery, and likely starts with normal peripheral nociceptive stimulation. Enhanced, altered and ongoing nociception can then lead to peripheral and central sensitisation (CS), with the latter regarded as a prominent mechanism underlying CRPS.

Sustained neuroinflammation has lately received attention as a key factor in the initiation and perpetuation of CRPS. Neuropeptides mediate the enhanced neurogenic inflammation and pain; they may activate microglia and astrocytes, resulting in a cascade of events that sensitise neurons and impact synaptic plasticity. Upregulated cytokines, secreted by keratinocytes, exacerbate this phenomenon. Immune cells may also modulate neuronal activity by releasing immunomodulatory factors.

Psychological factors could maintain CRPS by their impact on catecholamine release and kinesiophobia. The central and peripheral nervous systems are connected through neural and chemical pathways, and can have direct control over the autonomic nervous system. It is for this reason that there can be changes in vasomotor and sudomotor responses without any impairment in the peripheral nervous system. For a more detailed review of the underlying mechanisms at play, see this article by Bruehl (2015).

Treatment approaches are aimed at normalising afferent inputs and reversing secondary changes associated with immobilisation.

Figure 1. Nociceptive (painful) information is relayed through the dorsal horn of the spinal cord for processing and modulation before cortical evaluation.

Video below: more on the pathophysiology underlying CRPS.

Clinical Presentation

CRPS is clinically characterised by sensory, autonomic, and motor disturbances. The table below shows an overview of these characteristics.

Features of CRPS

Sensory disturbances	Allodynia and hyperalgesia Hypoesthesia; Strange, disfigured or dislocated feeling in the limb
Autonomic and inflammatory components	Swelling and oedema Hyperhidrosis; changes in sweating Abnormal skin blood flow Temperature changes Colour changes (redness or pale)
Trophic changes	Thick, brittle, or rigid nails Increased/decreased hair growth Thin, glossy, clammy skin Osteopenia (chronic stage)
Motor dysfunction	Weakness of multiple muscles and atrophy Inability to initiate movement of the extremity Stiffness and reduced ROM Tremor or dystonia
Pain	Burning, deep, dull Disproportionate Spontaneous and/or triggered by movement, noise, pressure on joint Pain may not be present in 7% of CRPS patients

Symptoms can spread beyond the area of the lesioned nerve in Type II. Ongoing neurogenic inflammation, vasomotor dysfunction, central sensitisation and maladaptive neuroplasticity contribute to the clinical phenotype of CRPS.

Associated Co-morbidities

CRPS may also be associated with:

• Impaired microcirculation
• Asthma
• Fractures
• Cellulitis
• Conversion Disorder
• Depression/Anxiety
• Lymphedema
• Malignancy
• Migraines
• Osteoporosis
• Autoimmune dysfunction

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis includes the direct effects of the following conditions:

• Bony or soft tissue injury
• Peripheral neuropathy, nerve lesions
• Arthritis
• Infection
• Compartment syndrome
• Arterial insufficiency
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Lymphatic or venous obstruction (eg. DVT)
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
• Gardner-Diamond Syndrome
• Erythromelalgia
• Self-harm or malingering
• Cellulitis
• Undiagnosed fracture

Diagnostic Procedures

CRPS diagnosis is mainly based on patient history, clinical examination, and supportive investigations.

There are 4 diagnostic tools for CRPS in adult populations. These include the Veldman criteria, IASP criteria, Budapest Criteria, and Budapest Research Criteria.

The Budapest Criteria

The Budapest criteria (also known as the IASP criteria and explicitly endorsed by the IASP) has been developed for the diagnosis of CRPS, but improvements still need to be made. Clinical diagnostic criteria for CRPS are:

1. Continuing pain, which is disproportionate to any inciting event
2. Must report at least one symptom in three of the four following categories:
   • Sensory: hyperalgesia and/or allodynia
   • Vasomotor: temperature asymmetry and/or skin colour changes and/or skin colour asymmetry
   • Sudomotor/oedema: oedema and /or sweating changes and/or sweating asymmetry
   • Motor/trophic: decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin)
3. Must display at least one sign at the time of evaluation in two or more of the following categories
   • Sensory: hyperalgesia (to pinprick) and/or allodynia (to light touch/pressure/joint movement)
   • Vasomotor: evidence of temperature asymmetry and/or skin colour changes and/or skin colour asymmetry
   • Sudomotor/oedema: evidence of oedema and /or sweating changes and/or sweating asymmetry
   • Motor/trophic: evidence of decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin)
4. There is no other diagnosis that better explains the signs and symptoms

The Budapest Criteria have excellent diagnostic sensitivity of 99% and a moderate specificity of 68%. See the video below for more detail on the Budapest Criteria.

Other Tests

• Infrared Thermography: Infrared thermography (IRT) is an effective mechanism to find significant asymmetry in temperature between both limbs by determining if the affected side of the body shows vasomotor differences in comparison to the other side. It is reported having a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 89%. This test is hard to obtain so it is not often used for diagnosing of CRPS.
• Sweat Testing: Determining if the patient sweats abnormally. Q-sweat is an adequate instrument to measure sweat production. The sweat samples should be taken from both sides of the body at the same time.
• Radiographic testing: Irregularities in the bone structure and osteopenia of the affected side of the body can become visible with the use of X-rays.
• Three phase bone scan: A triple phase bone scan is the best method to rule out Type I CPRS. With the use of technetium Tc 99m-labeled bisophosphonates, an increase in bone metabolism can be shown. Higher uptake of the substance means increased bone metabolism and the body part could be affected. The triple-phase bone scan has the best sensitivity, NPV, and PPV compared to MRI and plain film radiographs.
• Bone densitometry: An affected limb often shows less bone mineral density and a change in the content of the bone mineral. During treatment of the CPRS the state of the bone mineral will improve. So this test can also be used to determine if the patient’s treatment is effective.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans are useful to detect periarticular marrow oedema, soft tissue swelling and joint effusions. And in a later stage, atrophy and fibrosis of periarticular structures can be detected. But these symptoms are not exclusively signs of CRPS.

Outcome Measures

The CRPS consortium has established a list of core outcome measures to be used for patients with CRPS (referred to as COMPACT).

Patient reported Outcome Measures:

• PROMIS-29: Assesses 7 domains (physical function, pain interference, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep, social participation)
• NPRS: Numeric pain rating scale
• Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2): Six neuropathic items capture pain quality
• Pain Catastrophising Scale
• EQ-5D-5L: Measurement of health state
• Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire
• CRPS symptom questions: Derived from the Budapest Criteria

Clinical reported Outcome Measures:

• CRPS Severity Score (CSS): Includes 8 signs and 8 symptoms that reflect the sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema and motor/trophic disorders of CPRS, coded based on the history and physical examination. Extent of changes in CSS scores over time are significantly associated with changes in pain intensity, fatigue, and functional impairments. Thus, the CSS appears to be valid and sensitive to change. A change of 5 or more CSS scale points reflects a clinically-significant change.

Other Outcome Measures (not part of COMPACT):

• Various region specific functional measures can be used for either upper limb or lower limb CRPS, eg. Grip strength

Examination

The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation described above. Procedures start with taking a detailed medical history, taking into account any initiating trauma and any history of sensory, autonomic, and motor disturbances, as well as how the symptoms developed, the time frame, distribution and characteristics of pain. Assessment for any swelling, sweating, trophic and/or temperature increases, and motor abnormality in the disturbed area is important. Skin temperature differences may be helpful for diagnosis of CRPS. The original IASP criteria required only a history and subjective symptoms for a diagnosis of CRPS, but recent consensus guidelines have argued for the inclusion of objective findings.

The clinical presentation of CRPS, and the underlying mechanisms, can differ between patients and even within a patient over time - it is therefore important assess underlying pain mechanisms in order to design targeted treatment for each individual.

1. Autonomic Dysfunction: The majority of patients with CRPS have bilateral differences in limb temperature and the skin temperature depends of the chronicity of the disease. In the acute stages, temperature increases are often concomitant with a white or reddish colouration of the skin and swelling. where the syndrome is chronic, the temperature will decrease and is associated with a bluish tint to the skin and atrophy.
2. Motor Dysfunction: Studies have shown that approximately 70% of the patients with CRPS show muscle weakness in the affected limb, exaggerated tendon reflexes or tremor, irregular myoclonic jerks, and dystonic muscle contractions. Muscle dysfunction often coincides with a loss of range of motion in the distal joints.
3. Sensory Dysfunction: The distal ends of the extremities require attention when examining a patient with CRPS. However, common findings of regional neuropathic and motor dysfunction have shown us that it is important to broaden the examination both proximally and contralaterally. Light touch, pinprick, temperature and vibration sensation should be assessed for a complete picture of the CRPS. Most assessments are interlinked, for example, when vibration sensation is highly positive, light touch should also be positive. To help distinguish the findings of a sensory dysfunction, bilateral comparisons are made. Also see Quantitative Sensory Testing.

Multidisciplinary Management

CRPS can be very difficult to treat successfully, as it involves both central and peripheral pathophysiology, as well as frequent psychosocial components. This complexity of CRPS calls for an interdisciplinary approach, where the entire management team collaborates and focuses on all the relevant biopsychosocial elements. In many settings this is not feasible - in such cases a multidisciplinary approach is still very important to address the multifactorial nature of CRPS. Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome should be immediate, and most importantly directed toward functional restoration. Functional restoration emphasises physical activity, desensitisation and normalisation of sympathetic tone, and involves steady progression.

Treatment Overview

Despite multiple interventions being described and commonly used, the optimal management of CRPS is still under debate. The latest published evidence from Cochrane and non‐Cochrane systematic reviews of the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety interventions did not identify high‐certainty evidence for the effectiveness of any therapy for CRPS. This paper was the first update of the original Cochrane review in 2013.

Nevertheless, the following table summarises treatment recommendations for CRPS. These strategies are based on the Malibu CRPS algorithm and most recent treatment guidelines.

CRPS treatment overview

	Description & Modalities	Team members
Functional Restoration
Phase 1: Activation of pre-sensorimotor cortices	Graded motor imagery Visual tactile discrimination	PT/OT
Phase 2: Gentle active ROM	Progressive AROM Isometric strengthening	PT
Phase 3: Weight bearing	UL: carrying items LL: partial weight bearing	PT/OT
Desensitisation	Progressive stimulation with textures (soft to more rough) Contrast baths with progressive broadening of the temp difference	OT/PT
Pain Management	Sympathetic blocks and/or medication to allow engagement with functional restoration Functional restoration addresses pain by normalising afferent inputs and central processing	MD PT
Edema Management	Pressure garments Aquatic therapy General aerobic activity	PT/OT
Psychological approaches	CBT and exposure-based therapy if patient presents with kinesiophobia Psychotherapy if depression/anxiety is present	Psych/PT
Secondary impairments	Local muscle spasm, reactive bracing and disuse atrophy secondary to pain needs to be addressed	PT

Medical Management

Medical management is aimed at achieving sufficient pain relief, in order to allow for rehabilitation interventions to commence and progress. Most medications used for CRPS lack high quality evidence, and most treatment regimes are extrapolated from evidence for related neuropathic conditions. CRPS does however differ from other neuropathic conditions in that additional circulatory, bone and inflammatory pathways are present. Patients also present with a varying dominant mechanisms (including central sensitisation, motor abnormalities and sympathetic abnormalities), and it is therefore important to base medication prescription on reasoning regarding evident underlying mechanisms. Below is a summary of the possible medical interventions for patients with CRPS:

Medical interventions for CRPS

	Description	Evidence/ considerations
Pharmacotherapy
Anti-inflammatory drugs	NSAIDs (esp Ketoprofen), COX-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids	Useful to address the inflammatory component of CRPS, but often not effective as neurogenic inflammation mostly dominant. Risks regarding long-term use needs to be considered
Biphosponates	Have immune-modulatory properties and modulate bone metabolism	May help in acute stages or in selected subtypes of CRPS (where osteopenia is evident), but the evidence is lacking
Cation-Channel blockers	Anticonvulsants (gabapentin/pregabalin)	Proven efficacy for other neuropathic pain conditions; evidence for CRPS is lacking
Tricyclic drugs	Anti-depressants that augment descending inhibition	Effective for other neuropathic conditions; worth considering in patients with associated insomnia, depression and/or anxiety
Opioids	Tramadol Methadone	Tolerance and long-term toxicity are important concerns, and can worsen allodynia and hyperalgesia; daily use is not recommended in CRPS - only for excruciating pain
NMDA Antagonists	Ketamine	High risk of toxicity; IV ketamine may have positive effects on central sensitisation
Alpha2-adrenergic Agonists/ Ca-channel blockers	Clonidine Nifedipine	Evidence is contradictory. Adverse effects can occur
Calcitonin	Hormone produced by the thyroid	A meta-analysis demonstrated benefits of intranasal administration, but subsequent studies had conflicting results
Immune modulators	Steroids Immunoglobulins (IVIG)	Evidence suggests that early initiation (after trauma), followed by tapering, may be effective Steroid injections are ineffective IVIG has limited evidence
Other
Topical treatment	Lidocaine Capsaicin	Capsaicin can be intolerably painful in the presence of hyperalgesia
Supplements	Vitamin C	Daily Vit C following limb fracture or surgery may prevent CRPS
Sympathetic blocks	Local anaesthetic block applied at the transverse process of C6 or L2/3	High quality evidence is lacking, but may be useful for a subset of patients with prominent vasomotor dysfunction, to provide pain relief and a window of opportunity for rehabilitation techniques
Spinal cord stimulations	Aims to inhibit the nociceptive pathways at the level of the dorsal column	Reserved for use when patients are not responding to other interventions. Safe and proven long-term effective for chronic CRPS
Dorsal root ganglion stimulation	Aims to modulate nociceptive pathways at the dorsal root	Evidence shows reduced pain, improved quality of life and function if conservative therapy has failed

It is likely that medication prescription will need to be adapted over time as CRPS progresses or patients develop tolerance. The following table presents a consensus-based pharmacotherapy guide based on clinical findings in CRPS:

Reason for inability to start/progress with rehab	Pharmacotherapy reccommendations
Mild to moderate pain	Simple analgesics and/or blocks
Excruciating pain	Opioids and/or blocks
Inflammation and oedema	Steroids, NSAIDs, immune modulators
Depression, insomnia	Anti-depressants
Severe allodynia/hyperalgesia	Anticonvulsants and/or NMDA antagonists
Osteopenia and trophic changes	Calcitonin or biphosphonates
Profound vasomotor disturbance	Calcium channel blockers and/or blocks

Physiotherapy Management

Various consensus groups have emphasised that physiotherapy is of utmost importance in restoring function in patients with CRPS. Studies have shown that exercise-based physiotherapy is effective in managing pain and reducing impairment.

Physiotherapy aims to restore function, using the following intervention strategies:

• Graded Motor Imagery (GMI): Aims to address altered central processing by restoring the mismatch between afferent input and central representation. A meta-analysis demonstrated very good evidence for the efficacy of GMI in combination with medical management in patients with CRPS-1, with many studies indicating improvements in pain and function.
  
• Mirror visual feedback (MVF): Proven to be effective in patients with CRPS-1 and for stroke patients with CRPS. It is critical that the patient 'believes' the illusion.
• Tactile sensory discrimination training
• Progressive strengthening: Starting with isometrics, and then gently progressing isotonic and resisted movements.
• Education and pacing: Patients need to be told that both too much and too little movement can increase pain, and physiotherapists need to help patients to find a "happy medium", while guiding them towards more function.Incorporating pain neuroscience education (PNE) elements can help reduce kinesiophobia by explaining that pain does not signal tissue damage.
• Flexibility/ROM exercises: Active ROM and functional movements, while maintaining good movement patterns. Bilateral movements and conscious attention to the limb should be encouraged. Graded exposure can help to reduce kinesiophobia.
• Aquatic therapy: Allows activities to be performed with decreased weight bearing on the lower extremities, which can be a tolerable way of introducing weight bearing/resistance exercises. Hydrostatic pressure also provides gentle compression around the joints which can reduce oedema.
• Desensitisation: Consist of giving stimuli of different fabrics, different pressures (light or deep), vibration, tapping, heat or cold. See OT section
• Gradual weight bearing: Exposure the affected extremity to gradually increasing weight bearing activities. Gait training should be included for lower limb CRPS.
• TENS: Evidence is lacking, but may have some benefit

• Relaxation exercises: The efficacy of relaxation-focused interventions (such as diaphragmatic breathing) may be impaired due to the physiological alterations associated with CRPS.

Physiotherapists should avoid aggressive exercises, prolonged application of ice and prolonged rest/inactivity - these can exacerbate symptoms. Massage lacks evidence, but may be useful in oedema management if applied carefully.

Since the mechanisms underlying CRPS are often widespread, it may be beneficial to involve unaffected extremities during exercises, especially when moving the affected extremity is too painful.

Occupational Therapy Management

Occupational therapists (OTs) are pivotal in the functional restoration process as experts in biopsychosocial principles and functional assessment. The role of the OT involves initial functional evaluation (including ROM, coordination, dexterity, pain, sensation and use of the extremity during ADLs), followed by various intervention strategies, including:

• GMI and Mirror visual feedback
• Desensitisation: Involves graded exposure to textures (from soft to more textured). Aids in normalisation of cortical organisation in CRPS patients by restoring the sensory cortex
• Oedema Management: Using specialised garments and manual oedema mobilisation.
• Splinting: May be indicated in severe cases to promote improved circulation to the area and to facilitate more normal positioning. Symptoms can be exacerbated by splinting and should therefore be closely monitored.
• Stress loading: This involves active movement and compression of the affected joints, and although it may at first increase symptoms, this is usually followed by reduced pain and swelling. It consists of:
  • Scrubbing - moving the affected extremity back/forth while weight bearing through the extremity, using a scrub brush in the quadruped position/sitting
  • Carrying - small objects carried in the hand throughout the day, progressing to heavier items (UL); weight shifting, walking, standing with one foot on step, ball tossing towards the affected limb (LL)
• Functional retraining: Graded increase in functional use of the extremity as pain allows to increase independence in ADLs. Can be facilitated with PNF pattern strengthening
• Vocational rehabilitation and reintegration: Job site analysis, job specific conditioning/ work hardening, work capacity evaluation and transferable skills analysis.
• Contrast baths: Mild contrast baths may be useful in the early stages of CRPS to improve circulation. In more advanced CRPS, vasomotor changes interfere with these effects and cold water emersion can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore usually not recommended in patients with CRPS.

Psychotherapy

In CRPS, psychological factors are important to target to ensure optimal outcomes. Solely treating psychological aspects is however not sufficient, as clear biological elements exist in CRPS - evidence suggests that psychological interventions are most effective when combined with physiotherapy.

There is currently no compelling evidence that psychiatric disorders contribute to the development of CRPS, but as a chronic pain condition, depression and distress can be common in these patients. The aim of psychological interventions should be to address any factors that interfere with functional progression and to assist the psychological impact of a continued, severe pain experience.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exposure: Particularly valuable, in combination with physiotherapy, to address kinesiophobia; bearing in mind that a certain level of activity avoidance is not unreasonable.Catastrophic thinking has also been associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines which can exacerbate CRPS, and therefore needs to be addressed - education and correction of misconceptions relating to CRPS can be very valuable.
• Stress management and Mindfulness: Stress can be associated with increased catecholamine release which contributes to central sensitisation
• ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy): Can lead to improved functioning and quality of life, as well as self-efficacy.

CRPS Management in Children

In a study of 28 children meeting the IASP criteria for CRPS, 92% reduced or eliminated their pain after receiving exercise therapy. Physiotherapy (hydrotherapy, desensitisation and exercise) combined with CBT/counselling has proven efficacy in treating children with CRPS.

Case Reports

More Than Meets the Eye: Clinical Reflection and Evidence-Based Practice in an Unusual Case of Adolescent Chronic Ankle Sprain

Thoracic Spine Dysfunction in Upper Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I

Resources

• Eu Pain Federation - free tool to guide PTs and OTs with designing treatment plans for CRPS
• CRPS Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines, 5th Edition
• International Research Consortium for CRPS (IRC)
• Complex regional pain syndrome in adults (2nd edition) UK guidelines for diagnosis, referral and management in primary and secondary care. Royal College of Physicians, July 2018.
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association
• American Chronic Pain Association
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Clinical Bottom Line

CRPS is characterised by debilitating, persistent pain that is disproportionate in magnitude or duration to the typical course of pain after similar injury. It is a difficult condition to treat as the pathophysiology is often complex and diverse and is still not fully understood. High quality, robust evidence regarding effective treatment is still lacking, leading to no consensus regarding the optimal management of CRPS.