Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Request Consultation
Disclaimer: This form is intended for general inquiries only. Please do not submit personal health information, medical questions, or sensitive data through this form.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment You Can Trust
Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be exhausting, isolating, and deeply frustrating. When pain persists long after an injury should have healed—and when that pain intensifies with even the lightest touch—it can feel like your body is working against you. At Carolinas Pain Institute, we understand how much CRPS affects every part of your life, and we're here to help you find real relief through personalized, compassionate care.
Carolinas Pain Institute has offices in North Carolina while serving patients nationwide.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic nerve pain condition that typically develops after an injury, surgery, or trauma. It most often affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet—and what makes CRPS so difficult is that the level of pain experienced is far greater than what the original injury would normally cause.
CRPS is categorized into two types. Type I occurs without confirmed nerve damage, while Type II is linked to a specific nerve injury. Both types share many of the same symptoms and can significantly disrupt daily functioning.
Recognizing the Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Persistent burning or throbbing pain in a limb
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
- Swelling and changes in skin texture or color
- Stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion
- Changes in nail and hair growth in the affected area
These symptoms can come and go or worsen over time, making early CRPS pain management essential to preventing further complications.
What Causes CRPS?
The exact cause of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome isn't always clear, but it often develops following a triggering event such as a fracture, sprain, surgery, or even a minor injury. In some cases, CRPS can develop without any obvious cause.
Researchers believe the condition may involve an abnormal response from the nervous system, causing it to send exaggerated pain signals. Certain factors—like inflammation, nerve damage, or immune system involvement—may also play a role. Because the triggers vary so widely, treatment must be tailored to each individual patient.
How CRPS Affects Daily Life
Chronic nerve pain relief isn't just about managing a physical symptom—it's about reclaiming your ability to live. CRPS can make ordinary activities like getting dressed, cooking a meal, or simply resting feel overwhelming. The unpredictability of flare-ups can affect work, relationships, sleep, and mental health.
Many patients also deal with emotional challenges like anxiety and depression as a result of living with long-term pain. Addressing the full picture—physical and emotional—is a core part of how Carolinas Pain Institute approaches CRPS treatment.
Personalized CRPS Treatment Options
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for CRPS, which is why personalized care matters so much. Effective CRPS treatment may include a combination of approaches designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Treatment options can include medication management, physical rehabilitation, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and psychological support. The right combination depends on the severity of your symptoms, how long you've had CRPS, and how your body has responded to previous treatments.
The goal is not just to manage pain—it's to help you move forward. A dedicated pain management team works with you to build a plan that fits your life and your goals, adjusting as your needs change over time.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to keep pushing through the pain on your own. If you or someone you love is living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, professional CRPS pain management can make a meaningful difference. The sooner you connect with a care team that understands this condition, the sooner you can begin working toward chronic nerve pain relief.
Contact Carolinas Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to listen, evaluate your situation, and help you explore the treatment options that are right for you. Relief is possible—and it starts with one conversation.