Complex regional pain syndrome
(CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an
uncommon, chronic condition that usually affects
your arm or leg. Very rarely, the disease can affect
other parts of your body. You may experience intense
burning or aching pain along with swelling, skin
discoloration, altered temperature, abnormal sweating and hypersensitivity in the affected area.
The nature of CRPS is puzzling, and the cause
isn't clearly understood. The condition may result
from disturbances in the sympathetic nervous system,
the part of the nervous system that controls blood
flow and your sweat glands. The disease commonly
follows an acute problem. Most often, CRPS is
preceded by a major injury to an arm or a leg, but
it may also be triggered by an illness such as a heart attack or a minor injury you can't even
recall.
Coping skills
Living
with a chronic, painful condition can be challenging, especially when —
as is often the case with CRPS — your friends and family don't believe
you could be feeling as much pain as you describe. Share information
from reliable sources about CRPS with those close to you to help them
understand what you're experiencing.
Take care
of your physical and mental health by following these suggestions:
-
Maintain normal daily activities as best you can.
-
Pace
yourself and be sure to get the rest that you need.
-
Stay
connected with friends and family.
-
Continue to pursue hobbies that you enjoy and are able to do.
If CRPS
makes it difficult for you to do things you enjoy, ask your doctor about
ways to get around the obstacles.
Keep in
mind that your physical health can directly affect your mental health.
Denial, anger and frustration are common with chronic illnesses.
At times,
you may need more tools to deal with your emotions. Professionals such
as therapists or behavioral psychologists may be able to help you put
things in perspective. They can also teach you coping skills, including
relaxation techniques, that may help you.
In
addition, many chronic illnesses place you at an increased risk of
depression. This isn't a failure to cope but may indicate a disruption
in your body's neurochemistry that can be helped with appropriate
medical treatment. Talk with your family, friends and doctor if you're
feeling depressed.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
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