Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of Foot(CRPS) | Dr. Supriya Kondal

Have you or your loved one experienced severe foot and leg pain with swelling several days after an injury or surgery?

Severe distressing or burning pain several days after a foot or leg injury or surgery is categorized into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of Foot(CRPS).

It is difficult to diagnose this condition due to its varying nature of symptoms.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of Foot(CRPS)

Why does CRPS occur?

Abnormal functioning in the brain and spinal cord causes intense pain signals in the leg and foot.

The initial injury may or may not be the source of this abnormal functioning.

Other symptoms in CRPS

Swelling, tenderness(pain on touching the foot and ankle), changes in skin color, texture, and temperature.

In later stages, it causes muscle weakness, joint stiffness and affects daily functions.

How is CRPS confirmed or diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose CRPS. It is confirmed with diagnostic criteria:

Your doctor will take a detailed history from you for all the injury details and symptoms.
Specific signs will be watched for
Changes in skin temperature
Changes in hair, nail growth.
Swelling, redness and tenderness

CRPS usually occurs 4-6 weeks after an injury with intense rest and activity pain that does not subside with any treatment.

What treatment options are available for CRPS?

Although difficult to treat and overcome completely, CRPS is usually brought under control by the following therapies:

Physiotherapy

A Physiotherapist will help you reduce pain and other symptoms through simple mobility and strengthening exercises. Functional rehabilitation is the main focus where exercises are based on improving independence in daily activities.

Desensitization

Explained in simple words, it means to reduce the sensitivity of the affected part. Techniques such as gently rubbing or kneading the part with different textures, weights, and use of water with different temperatures. This causes the brain to adjust to the sensations thereby reducing pain signals to the foot.

3. Medications

There is no such specific medicine for CRPS. Other drugs are used to relieve pain and swelling. Analgesic creams are also prescribed and it entirely depends on individual symptoms and severity.

**One must always consult a physician, Orthopedic surgeon and Physiotherapist before beginning any form of therapy.

**The earlier that the condition is identified as CRPS, better are the chances of recovery.

Dr. Supriya Kondal PT

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