CRPS

The cause of CRPS is not yet known. Though, there are different beliefs about the cause of CRPS. Some think that CRPS is hypersensitivity of the nerve system. Others belief that is has something to do with an abnormal inflammatory response. This can occur after a fracture of the arm or leg, after an operation of the limbs or from a spontaneous cause. The course of the decease can follow different paths. A typical example of CRPS is that a patient experiences different symptoms on the arm of leg, that look like a big wound of this arm or leg, after a light injury. The place around this injury will get swollen, red, warm (or cold) and especially extremely painful. Also changes can occur in hear- and nail growth, the transpiration pattern can differ and/or the injured hand or foot can cramp. In the cause of time the pain often increases. The affected body part will get stiff and the feeling in the body part will decrease. This can lead into function loss of the affected body part. The course of the decease differs per patient. Some patients experience no side effects and experience a fast and fully recovery. Others experience heavy side effects with little recovery and a serious and permanent invalidity.