Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
This is a rare problem, usually started off by a previous injury. It causes chronic burning pain and extreme sensitivity in a limb.
There are two types:
- Type 1 - begins with a minor injury where no nerve damage has occurred, such as a sprained ankle
- Type 2 - is set off by something more serious, such as an operation, a broken bone or a serious infection, where the nerves are damaged
The symptoms of CRPS are the same for both Type 1 and Type 2. The only difference between the two types of CRPS is in the nature of the first injury: in Type 1 there is no apparent damage to the nerves and in Type 2 there is.
Type 1 is the most common and occurs in about 90% of all sufferers. In 2001, there were more than 150,000 patients with both types of CRPS in Europe.
Last updated: 24 Apr 2009
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) often starts in the foot or hand
