What are the treatment options for complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, can cause persistent pain and changes in sensitivity, temperature, colour, sweating, swelling and movement in an affected limb. Symptoms may make the limb feel difficult or unsafe to use, yet prolonged guarding can increase stiffness and loss of function. A clinician reviews the history, limb findings, movement and possible nerve or musculoskeletal contributors before tailoring treatment. Progress is measured by function as well as pain intensity.

Physiotherapy uses paced movement, graded loading, joint mobility and strategies to reduce fear of movement. For hand or arm symptoms, hand therapy can work on dexterity, swelling control, desensitisation and useful daily tasks. A pain management programme may combine education, medication review, sleep support, coping skills and planned activity so that flare-ups do not dictate every decision. Short, regular practice is often more manageable than pushing until symptoms surge. The team adjusts the pace when the limb becomes more swollen, sensitive or stiff.

Seek review if pain, swelling, colour or temperature changes are progressing, movement is becoming more restricted, or the limb is increasingly difficult to use. Get urgent help for a newly cold or pale limb, sudden severe swelling, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever with a hot red limb, or new weakness. Early reassessment can identify a different problem or a treatment issue that needs prompt attention.

What findings support CRPS in my case? Which movement goals should come first? Would hand therapy or general physiotherapy suit the affected area? How will medicines and flare-ups be reviewed? What level of activity is safe between sessions, and which changes need urgent contact?