Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment in Castle Rock

Dr. Carrera and his team are dedicated to helping patients manage CRPS pain effectively. Same-week appointments are often available for those in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Denver, and surrounding areas. Call the office at 720-455-3775 to schedule your consultation.

Don’t let CRPS limit your mobility—take the first step toward relief and recovery.

  • Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition that typically affects one limb, often after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. It is believed to result from dysfunction in the nervous system, leading to prolonged and excessive pain. While the exact cause is not fully understood, CRPS involves abnormal nerve signaling, inflammation, and changes in blood flow to the affected area.

  • Symptoms of CRPS can vary in severity and duration, often including:

    • Persistent, intense pain: Burning, throbbing, or aching pain that is out of proportion to the initial injury.

    • Changes in skin temperature or color: The affected limb may feel warmer or colder than the opposite limb and may appear red, blue, or blotchy.

    • Swelling and sensitivity: The affected area may be swollen and extremely sensitive to touch or movement.

    • Altered skin texture: Skin may become thin, shiny, or overly sweaty.

    • Joint stiffness and muscle weakness: Limited range of motion and muscle atrophy over time.

    • Nail and hair growth changes: Increased or decreased growth in the affected limb.

    If these symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical evaluation is important to prevent long-term complications.

  • You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

    • Rapid progression of pain and swelling.

    • Severe movement limitations or muscle weakness.

    • Unexplained skin color or temperature changes.

    • Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or quality of life.

  • Dr. Carrera and his team begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination, assessing pain patterns and nerve function. Diagnostic tests may include:

    • MRI or CT scans: To rule out other conditions affecting the nerves or bones.

    • Electromyography (EMG): To assess muscle and nerve function.

  • Effective management of CRPS involves a combination of treatments aimed at reducing pain and improving function. Some of these include:

    • Lifestyle Modifications: Gradual movement to prevent muscle atrophy. Stress management techniques can also reduce the nerve sensitivity.

    • Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises to improve mobility and prevent joint stiffness. Mirror therapy to help retrain the brain’s perception of the affected limb.

    • Nerve-Relaxing Pain Medications: Drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) can help alleviate nerve-related pain.

    • Topical treatments: Lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream.

    • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): A small device implanted near the spine to modulate pain signals.

    • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: Injections to interrupt pain signals from the nervous system.