Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats nerve and brain conditions, often diagnoses complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Orthopedists (bone and joint doctors) and plastic surgeons may also diagnose it. 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 chronic pain condition. It usually affects a limb, which means an arm or a leg, after an injury. The pain stays much stronger than expected, even after the injury has healed.
The limb is often very sensitive, so even light touch may feel painful. CRPS is uncommon.
There are two types. Type 1 happens after an illness or injury that does not cause specific nerve damage. Most people with CRPS have this type. Type 2 happens after damage to a specific nerve.
Symptoms
CRPS can cause intense burning pain, extreme skin sensitivity, and swelling and stiffness in affected joints. It can also reduce the ability to move the affected body part.
Other symptoms in the affected limb can include:
- Changes in skin temperature, color, or texture.
- Skin that feels warmer or cooler than the same body part on the other side.
- Hair and nails that grow very quickly or not at all, and more or less sweating.
- Thinner bones, or bones that change shape.
- Weakness, tremors, or stiffness in muscles and joints over time.
The pain can happen all the time or come and go. It usually gets much worse when the limb is used or touched. Over time, pain can spread to most or all of the limb.
CRPS can get worse over time and may spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally the symptoms go away, either for a while or for good.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of CRPS is unknown. It often follows a fracture, surgery, a sprain or strain, or a burn or cut. A broken bone, especially a broken wrist, is the most common cause.
The first injury may seem mild, such as a minor burn, cut, or sprain.
CRPS is more common in women than men. Most people are diagnosed in middle age or later. It is rarer in children.
Some factors can raise the risk. They include asthma, certain blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors, menopause, weak bones (osteoporosis), migraine, and smoking. Genes may also play a role.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no specific test for CRPS. Doctors diagnose it from your signs and symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor should be familiar with nerve and pain syndromes.
Other tests can rule out conditions that look like CRPS. These include blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, and bone scans. Nerve conduction studies check how well nerves send electrical signals.
Treatment
There is no cure for CRPS, but treatment can help people manage symptoms. Treatment may be different for each person. It works best when it is started early.
Options can include:
- Physical therapy and gentle movement of the affected limb, to help keep flexibility, strength, and function.
- Raising the limb when resting or sleeping, and compression sleeves, to help reduce swelling.
- Medicines for pain and swelling, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain medicines, skin creams or patches, and steroids.
- Opioids for severe pain. Long-term use can sometimes make pain harder to control.
- Nerve stimulation devices, such as spinal cord stimulation. Small pumps can also be implanted under the skin to deliver pain medicine near the spinal cord.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches skills to cope with chronic pain.
Some people may get relief from graded motor imagery, a mental exercise program that helps "retrain the brain". Acupuncture may help some people.
If other treatments do not give enough relief, doctors at some specialized medical centers may use low doses of ketamine. Because it can cause side effects, it is used only in specialized settings.
When to see a doctor
If pain after an injury seems unusually severe or lasts longer than expected, talk with a doctor. Early treatment tends to work better.
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. A direct primary care doctor can examine you after an injury, order first tests, and refer you to a pain or nerve specialist. They can also follow your care over time and help coordinate physical therapy and other treatment.
Common questions
Is complex regional pain syndrome curable?
No, there is no cure for CRPS, but treatment can help people manage their symptoms.
What causes complex regional pain syndrome?
The exact cause is unknown. It often begins after an injury, with a broken bone being the most common trigger.
Is there a blood test for CRPS?
No. There is no laboratory or blood test for CRPS. Doctors diagnose it based on your symptoms and a physical exam.
Can CRPS go away on its own?
Sometimes. Occasionally the symptoms go away, either for a while or for good. But most people still have some pain after a year.
Sources
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.
