Sharing initial symptoms and relief methods for CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Have you heard of CRPS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome? Early detection and proper management of this syndrome are very important!! Based on my family's experience, I want to share the initial symptoms and management methods of CRPS~

 

1. Initial symptoms of CRPS

 

 

Initially, there is slight swelling and skin color changes in the hands or feet. At that time, I didn't even know what CRPS was, so I didn't think these were early symptoms. (I'm still very regretful that I didn't notice and recognize these symptoms early...)

 

As the symptoms worsened, I experienced severe pain along with abnormal sweating. Later, I heard that these symptoms were caused by overreaction of damaged nerves. From that point on, I felt something was wrong and immediately visited the hospital.

 

While attending the hospital, in addition to pain, I experienced symptoms such as shiny skin, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness. In my family, their finger joints gradually became rigid, and their skin became sensitive, leading to a dulled sense of temperature. Despite going to the hospital, the unbearable pain persisted, so I had frequent consultations with the doctor.

 

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria Checklist

 

Do you experience pain that is much more severe than the level of injury?

Do you experience pain described as a burning sensation, stabbing with a knife, or a feeling of tightness?

Is there no progress even with narcotic painkillers?

Do you experience extreme pain even with mild stimuli due to sensory hypersensitivity?

Do you experience pain from objects or situations that normally do not cause pain, such as wind, clothing, or paper?

Is the pain lasting longer than the expected period?

 

2. CRPS Relief Methods

 

The hospital continuously prescribed medication, but they emphasized that management at home is more important than treatment. Since CRPS causes severe pain, receiving treatment at the hospital alone was not enough. So, I would like to share the various relief methods I tried and researched.

 

First and foremost, the most important things for relief are medication and physical therapy. My family managed pain with painkillers and antidepressants. Additionally, we attended physical therapy to relax muscles and promote blood circulation.

 

Additionally, psychological factors have a significant impact on CRPS management. When the pain persists and causes psychological instability, the pain tends to feel even more intense. Therefore, to help maintain psychological stability, I tried to manage stress by practicing meditation and deep breathing exercises together. My family also said that as they found psychological stability, they seemed to feel less pain!

 

 

CRPS is a disease that patients are aware of, but it is difficult to cure. Also, the pain is so severe that some people hope only for relief... I hope you recognize the early symptoms well and receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner so you can manage and overcome this pain and discomfort. I hope my experience can help those who are suffering from CRPS or experiencing similar symptoms, and that it helps you better understand and cope with this condition. Haha