CRPS: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Pune

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, debilitating pain condition that typically affects a single limb (an arm, leg, hand, or foot). It usually develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. CRPS is characterized by severe, continuous, burning or throbbing pain that is disproportionate to the severity of the initial physical trauma.

The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal, overactive inflammatory response and dysfunction in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In patients with CRPS, the nervous system continues to send intense pain signals to the brain long after the initial tissue damage has healed. The condition also leads to changes in local blood flow, causing abnormal temperature, swelling, and sweating in the affected limb.

Because CRPS can lead to permanent changes in the nervous system and muscle atrophy in the affected limb, early diagnosis and aggressive, multimodal treatment within the first three to six months are critical. Under the expert care of Dr. Parag Vijay Munot, our clinic provides specialized sympathetic nerve blocks and coordinates active physical therapy to help restore normal limb function.

CRPS symptoms can change over time and often vary from patient to patient, but they typically involve intense pain and visible changes in the affected limb.

Common symptoms of CRPS include:

• Continuous Burning Pain: A severe, burning, or throbbing pain that feels deep within the limb.
• Extreme Sensitivity to Touch (Allodynia): Severe pain triggered by light touch or temperature changes that would normally not be painful.
• Changes in Skin Temperature: The affected limb may feel significantly warmer or colder than the opposite limb.
• Changes in Skin Color and Texture: Skin may appear blotchy, red, purple, pale, or shiny and thin.
• Abnormal Sweating and Swelling: Localized swelling and excessive or absent sweating in the affected area.
• Muscle Weakness and Stiffness: Decreased ability to move the limb, often accompanied by tremors or muscle spasms.

CRPS is classified into two types based on the presence of confirmed nerve damage:

1. CRPS Type 1 (formerly RSD): Occurs after an injury or illness (such as a sprain or fracture) that did not directly damage a major nerve in the limb.
2. CRPS Type 2 (formerly Causalgia): Develops after a distinct, confirmed injury to a major nerve.
3. Nerve Dysfunction: Abnormal signaling in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls blood flow and sweating.

CRPS is a progressive condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications. Recognizing warning signs is important to prevent permanent disability.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek an evaluation by a pain specialist as soon as possible to start appropriate management.

At Vaayu Chest & Pain Clinic, we offer advanced, multimodal treatment plans for CRPS. We focus on blocking abnormal pain signaling, reducing inflammation, and supporting physical rehabilitation.

Our primary treatment options include:

• Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: Stellate ganglion blocks (for the arm) or lumbar sympathetic blocks (for the leg) performed under live fluoroscopic guidance matching Nerve Blocks & RFA.
• Multimodal Medication Management: Using specialized neuropathic medications and anti-inflammatories to reduce nerve sensitivity.
• Aggressive Pain Management: High-acuity blocks and catheter placements matching Critical Care Pain Procedures to manage acute pain flare-ups.
• Desensitization and Physical Therapy: Coordinating with physical therapists to desensitize the skin and restore normal joint movement.

Reducing pain first using interventional blocks is key to enabling patients to participate comfortably in physical rehabilitation.

Vaayu Chest & Pain Clinic is a leading center for advanced, interventional pain management in Pune. Our dedicated pain services are led by Dr. Parag Vijay Munot, a highly respected Pain Physician and Anesthesiologist (MBBS MD FICP). Dr. Parag has specialized training and extensive experience in managing complex neuropathic conditions like CRPS.

We prioritize early intervention, precise diagnostics, and comprehensive patient care. By using advanced image-guided techniques, we ensure all nerve blocks are performed safely and accurately, helping you rebuild strength and mobility in the affected limb.