Symptoms

Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) vary in their severity and duration. People who have CRPS often describe continuous, intense pain that gets worse rather than better over time. It may even spread to other areas of the body. For instance, if the injury only originally involved a finger or toe, pain can spread to include the entire arm or leg. In some cases, pain can even travel to the opposite extremity.

Other symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome include:

• Burning pain
• Swelling and stiffness in affected joints
• Decreased ability to move the affected body part
• Skin changes and changes in nail and hair growth:
  
  • Hair may become sparse and fine.
  • Skin may become shiny and appear blotchy.
  • Skin may feel warmer or cooler on the injured side when compared to the other side.
  • Skin may sweat too much or not at all.