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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and the Injured NY Worker

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the limbs, usually after an injury, and causes intense pain. Although CRPS has been documented as far back as the Civil War, doctors are still unsure what exactly causes this frightening and debilitating disease. If you have developed CRPS after a worksite joint injury, keep reading for information that will help you make sense of this mysterious disease.

What are the types of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?

Although very similar, the two types of CRPS are differentiated by the kind of incident that initiates symptoms:

CRPS-1 is the most common form, estimated to affect 90% of those diagnosed with CRPS. This form usually occurs after an injury that does not directly involve the nerves, such as an on-the-job crush injury or something as mild as a sprain. Some workers are afflicted with CRPS-1 even without an initial injury incident.
CRPS-2 (formerly called causalgia) is less common, but begins after an injury that directly causes nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

The primary symptom of CRPS is persistent pain, usually described as "burning," that is much greater than expected for an injury. This may be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

Pain that worsens over time instead of improving;
Changes in the skin, hair, or nails of the affected limb;
Swelling of the joint or involvement of the entire limb;
Bone loss or thinning and weakening of the bones;
Movement and muscle disorders;
Extreme sensitivity so that even a cool breeze on the skin can be intolerable;
Excessive sweating in the affected area.

If you have developed CRPS after a New York worksite injury, your friends and family may not believe that you could possibly be in as much pain as you describe. The New York workers' compensation attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. are familiar with CRPS and understand the severity of the pain associated with it. If you are having trouble obtaining compensation and are burdened with chronic pain that has left you unable to work, contact us today at (866)205-2415. We are also currently offering our book, 5 Deadly Sins That Can Derail Your Workers' Compensation Case, FREE of charge.