A GP guide to complex regional pain syndrome
This rare and potentially debilitating post-injury chronic pain disorder is often first identified in primary care
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously reflex sympathetic dystrophy or causalgia, is a post-traumatic chronic pain disorder that arises shortly after fracture, surgery or soft-tissue injury.1
CRPS is characterised by severe pain and a range of sensory, autonomic, motor and trophic abnormalities.
This condition is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and is challenging to treat.
GPs play a critical role in recognising the condition early, initiating management, and co-ordinating referrals to specialised pain or allied health services.
