Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
A neurologist (a nerve doctor), an orthopedist (a bone and joint doctor), or a plastic surgeon can diagnose complex regional pain syndrome. The doctor should be familiar with nerve and pain syndromes. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is complex regional pain syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a long-term pain condition. It can affect any area of the body, but often affects an arm or a leg. It usually affects an arm or a leg after an injury and causes ongoing pain that is much stronger, even after the injury has healed. The limb is often very sensitive, so even light touch may feel painful. There are two types. Type 1 happens after an illness or injury that does not cause any specific nerve damage. Most people with CRPS have this type. Type 2 happens after damage to a specific nerve. Pain and trouble with everyday tasks can improve over time. But most people with CRPS still have some feelings of pain after a year.
Symptoms
The key symptom is intense pain that is often burning and is much stronger than would be expected for the type of injury. Common signs include:
- Pain that gets much worse when the limb is used or touched.
- Pain that can spread from the injury to most or all of that limb.
- Skin that turns blotchy, blue, purple, gray, pale, or red.
In more severe or long-lasting cases, a person with CRPS can't work or do their usual daily activities.
Causes and who gets it
Health care providers are not sure what causes CRPS. A broken bone, especially a broken wrist, is the most common cause. In rare cases, surgery can damage nerves, which can sometimes lead to CRPS. In rare cases, a sudden illness such as a heart attack or stroke can cause CRPS. The condition can sometimes appear without an obvious injury to the limb. CRPS is more common in women than men. Some things that can raise the risk are asthma, certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors), and menopause.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosing CRPS can be difficult, but early diagnosis is very important. There is no laboratory or blood test for CRPS. Doctors diagnose it from a person's symptoms and a physical exam. A detailed exam might include nerve conduction studies. These tests check how well nerves send electrical signals. They can detect nerve injuries linked to CRPS type 2 but usually cannot confirm CRPS type 1. Doctors can also use blood tests and imaging tests to look for other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests include ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or bone scans.
Treatment
There is no cure for CRPS, but treatment can help people manage their symptoms. Treatment may be different for each person, and it usually works best when it is started early. Treatment can include:
- Physical therapy and gentle movement of the limb, which can help keep flexibility, strength, and function.
- Medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for bone and joint pain, and anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDS, like ibuprofen) for pain and swelling.
- Opioids for severe pain. But long-term use can sometimes make pain harder to control, and the body may begin to rely on them.
- Talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help people learn skills to cope with chronic pain.
Several medicines can help with symptoms, especially when used early. They are used off label. This means they are approved for other conditions but are also used to help with CRPS symptoms. Other options include a nerve block, which is injected medicine that numbs the affected nerves or pain fibers around the spinal column. Spinal cord stimulation uses small wires that doctors place near the spinal cord during a minor surgery. The wires send mild electrical signals that create a tingling feeling that can help block pain.
When to see a doctor
If pain after an injury seems unusually severe or lasts longer than expected, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor. Contact your provider if you develop constant or burning pain in an arm, leg, hand, or foot. Early diagnosis is very important.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. If pain after an injury seems unusually severe or lasts longer than expected, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor. Treatment usually works best when it is started early.
Common questions
Is there a cure for complex regional pain syndrome?
No, there is no cure for CRPS, but treatment can help people manage their symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms go away, either temporarily or for good.
Can complex regional pain syndrome spread?
Yes, the pain can spread from where the injury happened to include most or all of that limb. It may also spread to other parts of the body.
Does complex regional pain syndrome go away?
Sometimes the symptoms go away, either temporarily or for good. Pain and trouble with everyday tasks can improve over time. But most people with CRPS still have some feelings of pain after a year.
Sources
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- MedlinePlus - Complex regional pain syndrome
- MedlinePlus - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
