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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe main symptom of complex regional pain syndrome is intense pain, which gets worse over time. Additional signs and symptoms include:
- "Burning" pain in your arm, leg, hand or foot.
- Skin sensitivity.
- Changes in skin temperature, color and texture. At times your skin may be sweaty; at other times it may be cold. Skin color can range from white and mottled to red or blue. Skin may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area.
- Changes in hair and nail growth.
- Joint stiffness, swelling and damage.
- Muscle spasms, weakness and loss (atrophy).
- Decreased ability to move the affected body part.
Symptoms may change over time and vary from person to person. Most commonly, swelling, redness, noticeable changes in temperature and hypersensitivity (particularly to cold and touch) occur first. Over time, the affected limb can become cold and pale and undergo skin and nail changes as well as muscle spasms and tightening. Once these changes occur, the condition is often irreversible.
When to see a doctor
If you experience constant, severe pain that affects a limb and makes touching or moving that limb seem intolerable, see your doctor to determine the cause. It's important to treat complex regional pain syndrome early.
- Sheon RP, et al. Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Sheon RP, et al. Prevention and management of complex regional pain syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Complex regional pain syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Jan. 8, 2009.
- Neuropathic pain. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch209/ch209c.html#sec16-ch209-ch209c-285. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
- Sandroni P (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 30, 2009.
