If you or a loved one is suffering from unrelenting, burning pain after an accident, surgery, or injury, you may have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a debilitating and often misunderstood condition that can leave victims struggling with chronic pain, mobility issues, and emotional distress.
As a personal injury attorney specializing in CRPS cases, Synergist Law, P.C. has extensive experience dealing with the medical and legal complexities of these claims. Insurance companies and defense experts often dispute CRPS diagnoses, but with the right legal strategy, victims can secure the compensation they deserve.
This article provides valuable medical insights, the latest treatments, and legal considerations for those suffering from CRPS.
What is CRPS?
CRPS is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that typically develops after an injury, fracture, surgery, or even minor trauma. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain that is often disproportionate to the original injury.
Types of CRPS
- CRPS-I (formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD): No confirmed nerve damage.
- CRPS-II (Causalgia): Directly linked to a documented nerve injury.
Common Symptoms
- Severe burning pain that persists long after the injury should have healed.
- Skin temperature changes (hot/warm in early stages, cold in later stages).
- Swelling and inflammation in the affected limb.
- Skin discoloration (red, purple, or blotchy appearance).
- Sensitivity to touch (Allodynia)—even light contact can cause excruciating pain.
- Motor dysfunction—stiffness, tremors, or involuntary muscle contractions.
How Common is CRPS?
- At least 50,000 new cases of CRPS-I occur annually in the U.S.1
- More common in women and in individuals over 40.1
- 73% risk of recurrence if a second surgery or injury occurs.1
What Causes CRPS?
The exact cause of CRPS remains unclear, but recent medical research suggests it is a multifactorial condition involving:
- Central and Peripheral Sensitization—Nerve damage leads to excessive pain signaling.1
- Autoimmune and Inflammatory Mechanisms—Cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 have been linked to CRPS.2
- Sympathetic Nervous System Dysfunction—CRPS alters blood flow and nerve responses, leading to temperature and swelling issues.1
- Brain Plasticity Changes—Imaging studies show changes in the brain’s pain-processing centers.3
The condition can also spread beyond the original injury site, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.3
Effective Treatments for CRPS
Although CRPS is challenging to treat, new research shows that a multidisciplinary approach offers the best chance of recovery.3
1. Medications
- Neuropathic pain relievers: Gabapentin, Pregabalin (Lyrica).
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, corticosteroids.
- NMDA receptor antagonists: Ketamine infusions have shown promise.3
- IV Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG): Mixed results but may help in some cases.2
2. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
- Gentle movement therapy: Helps prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy.
- Desensitization techniques: Retrains the nervous system’s pain response.
- Mirror therapy: Helps patients “reprogram” the brain to reduce pain.3
3. Interventional Procedures
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS): Can reduce pain by up to 50%.3
- Sympathetic nerve blocks: Provide temporary relief and diagnostic value.
- Intrathecal drug pumps: Deliver pain medication directly to the spinal cord.
4. Psychological Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps with pain management and emotional resilience.
- Biofeedback and relaxation therapy: Can reduce pain perception.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment can lead to long-term disability and permanent nerve damage. If you suspect you have CRPS, seek a pain management specialist immediately.
How CRPS Impacts a Personal Injury Claim
Because CRPS is often disputed by insurance companies, injured victims must build a strong case with solid medical evidence.
Key Legal Considerations
- Proving CRPS Diagnosis: Medical records, imaging studies, and expert testimony from pain specialists.
- Anticipating Insurance Denials: Insurers argue that CRPS is psychosomatic or not related to the accident.2
- Valuing Long-Term Damages: CRPS often requires lifetime medical care, impacting lost wages and future earnings.
- Challenging Defense Expert Testimony: Synergist Law, P.C. has extensive experience countering insurance medical experts who try to undermine CRPS claims.
How I Can Help
With years of experience winning CRPS cases, I understand the medical literature, the best experts, and the legal strategies needed to maximize compensation.
Why Choose a CRPS-Experienced Attorney?
Many attorneys do not fully understand CRPS, leading to undervalued claims or case dismissals.
As a personal injury lawyer specializing in CRPS, I:
- Know how to combat insurance denials and defense expert tactics.
- Have a cutting-edge medical literature database to support my cases.
- Work with leading pain specialists to prove CRPS severity.
- Have secured significant settlements for CRPS victims.
If you or a loved one is struggling with CRPS after an accident, contact me for a free consultation.
Serving Clients in: San Rafael, Marin County, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Oakland, and across Northern California.
CRPS is a life-changing condition, but you don’t have to fight alone. With the right medical care and experienced legal representation, you can secure the compensation you need for treatment, lost wages, and long-term care.
Call today to discuss your case—Synergist Law, P.C. is here to help CRPS victims fight for their rights.
Footnotes:
- Stephen Bruehl, An Update on the Pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, 113 Anesthesiology 713 (2010).
- Christopher Chang et al., Complex Regional Pain Syndrome—Autoimmune or Functional Neurologic Syndrome, 4 J. Translational Autoimmunity 100080 (2021).
- Michael D. Stanton-Hicks et al., An Updated Interdisciplinary Clinical Pathway for CRPS: Report of an Expert Panel, 2 Pain Practice 1 (2002).
