ConditionWidespread & complex
Complex regional pain syndrome
CRPS is time-critical. Early recognition and early movement change the trajectory substantially, which is why any suspicion of it is prioritised for assessment rather than added to a routine list.
Also calledCRPSReflex sympathetic dystrophy
What it is
A disproportionate pain response after an injury, fracture or operation, accompanied by changes in the limb itself — swelling, altered colour or temperature, sweating change, altered hair or nail growth, and profound sensitivity to touch.
Diagnosis is clinical, using the Budapest criteria. There is no single confirmatory test.
What it feels like
- Burning pain out of proportion to the original injury
- The limb looks different — colour, swelling, temperature
- Extreme sensitivity to light touch, water or air movement
- Stiffness and reluctance to move or use the limb
How we assess it
Structured assessment against the diagnostic criteria, with photographs where useful, and a baseline of function. Other causes — infection, clot, ongoing structural injury — are excluded first.
Treatment options
- Immediate, graded movement and desensitisation, led by physiotherapy
- Neuropathic medication started early
- Mirror therapy and graded motor imagery
- Sympathetic block in selected cases, to enable rehabilitation
- Spinal cord stimulation where established CRPS resists other treatment
- Psychological support from the outset, as standard care rather than a last resort
What recovery looks like
Outcomes are best when treatment starts within weeks rather than months. Progress is measured in what the limb can do, and setbacks are expected and planned for.
Risks and honest limits
Established, long-standing CRPS is harder to reverse, and we will be honest about what is realistic while still treating actively. Immobilising the limb, however tempting, makes it worse.
A note on this page
This is general information, written to help you prepare for a conversation. It is not a substitute for an individual assessment — what is right for you depends on your history, your examination and your own goals.
Common questions
Asked before, answered here
Suspected CRPS is triaged as a priority. Call the practice rather than waiting on an enquiry form.
Because the pain-fear-immobility cycle is central to CRPS. It is part of the physical treatment, not a comment on the cause.
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Have this assessed properly
Send a few lines about your pain and how long it has been going on. We will reply with a time and what to bring.
Visit
Level 2, 48 Macquarie StreetSydney, NSW 2000Response
Enquiries are answered within one to two business days. Urgent clinical matters are triaged the same day by the practice team.