Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

What is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS results from abnormal nerve and immune system responses, causing pain signals to remain overactive.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically develops after an injury, surgery, or trauma to a limb, but persists long after normal healing should occur and often disproportionate to the original injury. There are two main types of CRPS:

Type I (formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) – occurs without confirmed nerve injury.
Type II (formerly Causalgia) – occurs following a confirmed nerve injury.

What causes CRPS?

When the nervous system reacts abnormally — giving rise to pain that is extreme and far beyond what the original trauma would suggest.

The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dysregulation of the peripheral and central nervous systems, along with abnormal inflammatory and immune responses. Following an injury or trauma, the body’s normal pain and healing signals become amplified, leading to persistent pain, swelling, and sensitivity.

In some cases, even minor injuries or surgical procedures can trigger CRPS, suggesting that the condition arises from an exaggerated response of the nervous system rather than the severity of the initial injury.

Common symptoms of CRPS

CRPS can affect any part of the body, but often impacts daily life far beyond the site of injury.

CRPS pain is often disproportionate to the original event and may be accompanied by swelling, colour changes, or changes in skin temperature. Its a diagnosis often made using the Budapest Criteria. Symptoms may include:

Intense, burning or throbbing pain
Sensitivity to touch or cold
Swelling and changes in skin colour or temperature
Reduced mobility or stiffness in the affected area
Changes in hair or nail growth
Persistent pain that worsens with movement or stress

lady sitting at a cafe with back and neck pain

How can we help

Standard pain medications often provide limited benefit in CRPS, requiring more advanced approaches.

We use therapies such as ketamine and stellate ganglion block (SGB) to target the nervous system directly, offering relief when conventional treatments have failed.

Ketamine therapy

Ketamine therapy can help reset overactive pain pathways in CRPS, reducing pain intensity, improving function, and often helping patients decrease reliance on opioids.

Ketamine therapy

Stellate Ganglion Block

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) targets sympathetic nerves in the neck, calming the overactive “fight-or-flight” response that can drive CRPS symptoms in the upper body.

Stellate ganglion block

Our unique approach

We understand CRPS is one of the most challenging pain conditions to manage.

Our dual expertise in psychiatry and pain medicine allows us to address both the physical and emotional impact of CRPS. This comprehensive approach supports patients and referring clinicians in managing this complex condition.

What to expect

Personalised care plans tailored to your history and goals

man sitting on a couch and the doctor taking down his records

Integration with allied health therapies for function and rehabilitation

Evidence-based treatments supported by international research

exercise and movement outdoors in later afternoon

Focus on safety, comfort, and restoring quality of life

woman looking calmly out the window on a warm afternoon

Why choose Anodyne?

We know how devastating CRPS can be.

At Anodyne, you’ll be cared for by a team that listens, understands, and has experience treating complex, treatment-resistant pain. Our clinics provide a safe, supportive environment for advanced pain therapies.

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Take the next step

If you are living with CRPS and have not found relief from standard treatments, we can help. Book an appointment or make an enquiry to explore advanced therapies with Anodyne.

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