TL;DR Quick answer
Severe, persistent limb pain with changes in skin colour, temperature or swelling. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as stellate ganglion block and spinal cord stimulation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About complex regional pain syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) usually develops after an injury or surgery to a limb. Early recognition and active rehabilitation are important.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain out of proportion to the injury; swelling, colour or temperature changes; sensitivity to touch |
| Common causes | Injury, fracture or surgery to a limb; sometimes no clear trigger |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor promptly if severe pain and swelling develop after an injury or surgery |
| Treatment options | Stellate Ganglion Block, Spinal Cord Stimulation |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain out of proportion to the injury
- Swelling, colour or temperature changes
- Sensitivity to touch
- Stiffness
Causes
- Injury, fracture or surgery to a limb
- Sometimes no clear trigger
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor promptly if severe pain and swelling develop after an injury or surgery.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stellate Ganglion Block | Procedure | A sympathetic nerve block in the neck for selected arm and facial pain conditions. | 10–15 minutes |
| Spinal Cord Stimulation | Procedure | An implanted device that uses mild electrical pulses to reduce long-term nerve pain. | Ongoing / varies |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
