Effects of CRPS
The most common symptom of CRPS is a burning pain.
Other physical symptoms may include;
- Sensitivity to touch
- Temperature changes
- Abnormal sweating
- Allodynia (pain caused by a gentle touch e.g. clothes touching skin)
- Changes in skin colour/texture
- Changes in hair/nail growth
- Stiffness/difficulty moving the affected limb
Psychological symptoms that may be experienced are;
- Difficulty relaxing
- Lack of confidence
- Depression
- Feeling unable to cope
Over time symptoms may spread and usually do so in one of three ways;
- Continuity – symptoms gradually spread out from the initial source
- Mirror image – symptoms spontaneously occur in the opposite limb
- Independent – this can be spontaneous or as a result of further trauma
