Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-07
Diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is primarily clinical, based on the Budapest Criteria, which require the presence of persistent, disproportionate pain accompanied by specific sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, and motor/trophic signs. Recognizing the Signs If you suspect you have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, observe your limb for patterns that deviate from normal healing. While post-injury pain is expected, CRPS is characterized by pain that is significantly more intense and longer-lasting than the original injury should cause.
18 people with CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
How do I know if I have CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Could you have CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome? Early signs that prompted real patients to seek diagnosis, plus medically reviewed guidance.
Diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is primarily clinical, based on the Budapest Criteria, which require the presence of persistent, disproportionate pain accompanied by specific sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, and motor/trophic signs.
Recognizing the Signs
If you suspect you have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, observe your limb for patterns that deviate from normal healing. While post-injury pain is expected, CRPS is characterized by pain that is significantly more intense and longer-lasting than the original injury should cause. Look for objective changes: does the skin in the painful area look mottled, purple, or shiny? Is one limb consistently colder or warmer than the other? Do you experience allodynia, where even a light touch from clothing or a breeze causes intense, burning pain? Unlike typical healing, these symptoms often persist or worsen over time.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment with a neurologist or a pain management specialist if your pain does not follow a typical recovery trajectory. When speaking to your provider, be specific: use the phrase, "I am concerned my symptoms align with the Budapest Criteria for CRPS." Bring a log of your symptoms, including photos of skin color changes and notes on swelling or temperature fluctuations.
Tests and Advocacy
There is no single "gold standard" blood test for CRPS. Diagnosis relies on a thorough physical examination and medical history. Your physician may order thermography to measure skin temperature or bone scans to identify metabolic changes, though these are supportive, not definitive. If you feel your concerns are being dismissed, ask your doctor to document your symptoms in your chart and request a referral to a specialist who has specific experience with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Urgent Red Flags
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience sudden, complete loss of motor function, severe infection signs (fever, spreading redness), or if the pain becomes completely unmanageable despite your current treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Orphanet: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- RSDSA (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association)
Posted Sep 6, 2017 by [email protected] 5060
Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Craig 1600
Posted Sep 13, 2017 by Andy 3550
There may also be:
• Changes in skin temperature, with the skin becoming sweaty at times, and cold and clammy at others
• Changes in skin color, causing blotches or streaks, ranging from very pale to pink, and perhaps even with a blue tinge
• Thin and shiny skin texture
• Unusually fast or slow nail and hair growth
• Painful, stiff and inflamed joints.
• Mobility may also be reduced, as patients find it hard to move the affected part.
CRPS must be diagnosed by a medical doctor, preferably someone with a specialty in pain management.
Posted Sep 15, 2017 by DrLisa 3750
Posted Sep 19, 2017 by Alex 2550
Posted Oct 8, 2017 by Valerie 1500
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Robbie 2000
You may have tingling, hyper sensitive to touch, textures and cold and heat. Your skin will look different and may be ice cold, flame red or even blue. You affected area may continually throb and more
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Aj 2000
Posted Nov 11, 2017 by Colleen85201 1700
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Shanna 5000
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by ladyff1481 2050
Posted Nov 12, 2017 by Thea 3150
Posted Oct 25, 2018 by Misty 2100
Posted Nov 1, 2018 by Judy 3000
Posted Jan 5, 2019 by Cynthia 4000
An initiating injury or traumatic event, such as a sprain, fracture, minor surgery, etc., that should not cause as severe pain as being experienced or where the pain does not subside with healing
Pain (moderate-to-severe) associated with allodynia, that is, pain from something that should not cause pain, such as the touch of clothing or a shower
Continuing pain (moderate-to-severe) associated with hyperalgesia, that is, heightened sensitivity to painful stimulation)
Abnormal swelling in the affected area
Abnormal hair or nail growth
Abnormal skin color changes
Abnormal skin temperature, that is, one side of the body is warmer or colder than the other by more than 1°C
Abnormal sweating of the affected area
Limited range of motion, weakness, or other motor disorders such as paralysis or dystonia
Symptoms and signs can wax and wane
Can affect anyone, but is more common in women, with a recent increase in the number of children and adolescents who are diagnosed
Posted Jan 16, 2021 by Patricia 3050
-constant burning
-cold skin
-color changes
-nerve pain
Posted Mar 29, 2021 by Sage0920 2000
Posted Nov 3, 2022 by Heather 5020
