Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an extremely painful, ongoing neurological condition in which one or more of the extremities is subject to chronic pain. Whether it attacks an arm or a leg, CRPS results in a level of pain that can be difficult to manage and can have the sufferer feeling hopeless. The longer you ignore CRPS, though, the worse the pain can get and there are numerous treatment options—including ketamine treatment—that can help ease the symptoms.
Understanding Complex regional pain syndrome
CRPS often appears in the aftermath of another health issue, usually an injury, a heart attack, or a stroke. There are two types of CRPS, both producing chronic pain. Type 1, which is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), appears after an injury that does not directly involve nerve damage. Type 2, which is much more rare, appears after an injury that results in nerve damage.
Symptoms of CRPS may include the following:
- Throbbing pain in one or more of the extremities
- Burning or swelling
- Sensitivity to touch or cold
- Changes in skin color or texture
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Joint stiffness
The Importance of Managing CRPS
While the causes of CRPS are not well understood and there is no known cure for the condition, there are plenty of treatment options available to help mitigate the pain. If you think you might be suffering from CRPS, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible as the disease can progress and lead to more damaging and painful symptoms. Some common complications of CRPS include tissue atrophy, where your skin, muscles, or bone may waste away, and contracture, where the muscles tighten into a fixed position.
CRPS can be diagnosed via a bone scan, MRI, or x-rays. Once you are diagnosed with the condition, treatment can begin. There are numerous different treatments, most of which are designed to manage pain. These include pain relievers, nerve-blocking medications, physical therapy, or more intensive therapies such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and biofeedback. A doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce inflammation, prevent bone loss, or improve mobility in the affected extremity.
One possible solution for pain management is ketamine treatment. A safe and effective way to treat chronic pain, ketamine infusion involves the patient receiving an intravenous treatment of the drug, which serves as an anesthetic. Ketamine therapy can alleviate chronic pain symptoms for up to 11 months at a time.
If you have any questions about ketamine therapy for CRPS or chronic pain, please fill out the form below and someone will contact you shortly.
Contact VIP Ketamine