crps

Question 1

what is crps

Answer 1

form of chronic pain that affects the upper and lower limbs that lasts for longer than 6 months

Question 2

common symptoms

Answer 2

allodynia,burning, pins and needles, excessive sweating, spreading to the second limb, changes in temperature, swelling in limb, changes in skin texture, joint stiffness, abnormal posture, jerking, tremors and spasms.

Question 3

what are the conditions for dx

Answer 3

symptoms does not match any other diagnosis, pain for over 6 months,
patient must report at least one of crps symptoms in three of the categories

Question 4

what are the categories for diagnosis for crps

Answer 4

SENSORY - hyperalgesia + allodynia
VASOMOTOR - skin temperature assymetry, skin colour changes and assymetry
SUDOMOTOR - swelling/edema, sweating assymetry to the opposite side
MOTOR AND TROPHIC - reduced ROM, motor dysfunction, trophic alterations to hair skin and nails.

Question 5

therapies to help

Answer 5

physiotherapy - guided exercise to increase rom, decrease pain. MORE EFFICIENT WHEN TREATED QUICKLY after dx
topical analgesics - reduce hypersensitivity
heat therapy - soothe discomfort of cold feeling skin
mirror therapy - reduce pain because you’re focussing on the “healthy” limb.
tens - ease chronic pain by stimulating nerve endings
biofeedback - be more aware of body so you can relax
spinal cord stimulation - pain relief
intrathecal drug pumps - pain relief into the spinal cord.