Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that affects a limb after an injury. It happens when the nervous systems that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged. The symptoms of CRPS can vary in intensity and duration. The most common symptom is prolonged or excessive pain. Some people only have mild symptoms that disappear, but many people experience ongoing symptoms to include burning pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. You may also have difficulty moving the affected body part. Changes in nail and hair growth patterns, such as rapid or no growth, may happen. The skin temperature of the affected area may also change, feeling warmer or more relaxed than the rest of your body. The skin may also change color, becoming blotchy, pale, purple, or red. The texture may also change, becoming shiny and thin, and you may experience excessive sweating.
