If you have ongoing arm or leg pain due to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), you don’t have to live with debilitating discomfort. At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, in Hudson, Rice Lake, and Altoona, Wisconsin, the interventional spine and pain management specialists offer advanced treatments to improve function and help restore your quality of life.
What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects an arm or a leg following injury, surgery, or another triggering event. It is characterized by an abnormal response of the nervous system, leading to pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury. CRPS is classified into two main types:
- CRPS-I (formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy) – without confirmed nerve injury.
- CRPS-II (formerly causalgia) – associated with a distinct nerve injury.
Early detection and treatment greatly improve outcomes, and some individuals may even experience remission of symptoms.
Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS may present with a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Sensitivity to touch, temperature, or cold exposure
- Persistent throbbing, burning, or stabbing discomfort
- Pain in the arm, leg, hand, or foot
- Swelling, warmth, or redness
- Skin changes in color, temperature, or texture (shiny or thin skin)
- Joint stiffness and reduced mobility
- Abnormal hair or nail growth
- Muscle spasms, tremors, or weakness
- Affected limb feeling unusually cold or pale
If untreated, CRPS may result in permanent tissue changes, such as muscle contractures or bone loss (disuse osteoporosis). Symptoms may also spread beyond the original injury site.
What Causes CRPS?
The exact cause of CRPS remains uncertain, but it is thought to involve dysfunction in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The condition can follow fractures, sprains, surgery, infections, or even seemingly minor trauma. Certain factors, such as nerve compression or abnormal inflammatory responses, may increase the risk. Conditions like neuropathy or previous injuries may also make some people more vulnerable.
Diagnosing CRPS
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical exam. Specialists evaluate pain characteristics, sensory changes, and motor function. Diagnostic tools may include:
- Imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or bone scans to assess structural changes
- Autonomic testing, such as sweat output measurements
- Nerve conduction studies to rule out other conditions like spine pain or peripheral neuropathy
This comprehensive approach ensures accurate identification and guides treatment planning.
Treatment Options for CRPS
CRPS treatment is individualized and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, therapies may include:
- Lifestyle guidance and physical therapy to preserve mobility and prevent stiffness
- Occupational therapy to maintain function in daily activities
- Heat therapy for circulation and comfort
- Peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation for targeted pain relief
- Sympathetic nerve blocks (stellate ganglion and lumbar sympathetic blocks)
- Ketamine infusions for severe or treatment-resistant CRPS
The team focuses on early and aggressive management to prevent long-term disability and to restore quality of life.
Why Choose Us for CRPS Treatment
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC, our team combines decades of experience with advanced interventional therapies to treat CRPS. Our empathetic physicians understand the tremendous toll CRPS can take, and their goal is to make your life easier and more comfortable.
Holding board certifications in pain medicine and anesthesiology, we’re the only specialists in our part of Wisconsin offering both regenerative medicine and ultra minimally invasive spine surgery alongside traditional interventional pain care.
Every procedure is performed with image guidance for precision and safety. Patients choose us for our comprehensive toolbox of treatment options and our reputation as regional leaders in complex pain care.
CRPS Consultations in Rice Lake & Hudson
For expert care and relief from CRPS, schedule your consultation at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, SC. We serve patients in offices in Hudson, Rice Lake, and Altoona, WI. Call (715) 234-7246 (PAIN) to take the next step toward long-lasting relief.