What is the first treatment for complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome can cause ongoing pain, sensitivity, swelling and changes in skin temperature or colour after an injury or procedure. The affected area may become difficult to move because touch and movement feel threatening. Treatment therefore aims to make movement safer and more manageable rather than forcing the limb through severe pain.

A rehabilitation clinician may use graded movement, desensitisation, swelling control and exercises that rebuild everyday function. A pain clinician can review medicines and coping strategies. The plan is tailored to the affected limb, symptom pattern and ability to take part.

Keep appointments with the pain and rehabilitation team, practise only the agreed exercises, and record which activities increase or settle symptoms. Protecting the limb completely for long periods can make movement harder, while pushing too quickly can cause a flare. Ask for adjustments when touch, temperature or exercise is difficult.

A [Pain Management Programme](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/pain-management-programme/) can support pacing and coping skills. Depending on the affected area, [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) or [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may guide functional recovery.

Seek prompt medical advice if pain, swelling, colour or temperature changes suddenly worsen, movement falls sharply, or the limb develops a new wound. Urgent assessment is needed for chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or a suddenly swollen and painful calf. These symptoms may have causes that need separate treatment.

Ask which rehabilitation exercises are appropriate, how to pace activity during a flare, whether you need pain-clinic input, and how changes in movement or skin symptoms will be monitored.