Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be a painful condition caused by an injury or a physically traumatic event, such as a stroke or heart attack. Although CRPS is not a common problem, it can have debilitating effects on your emotional and physical health.
Our team, located at the Florida Medical Pain Management in Florida, is dedicated to helping patients manage their long-term chronic pain and alleviate their CRPS symptoms through a patient-centered, customized approach. Learn how ketamine may be able to reduce CRPS-related symptoms, even if other treatments have failed.
CRPS: The Basics
CRPS is caused by nerve damage or soft tissue injury. Prior surgery, medical events such as strokes, broken bones, and periods of immobility are all factors that can lead to CRPS.
The symptoms of CRPS are usually found in the extremities and include:
– Constant or recurring pain
– Burning sensations
– Reduced range of movement
– Joint stiffness and swelling
– Muscle weakness
– Muscle cramps or spasms
– Temperature sensitivity
– Changes in skin texture, color, or temperature
– Hair or nail changes
The intensity of CRPS symptoms can vary, and you may experience a single symptom or a combination.
Researchers do not understand why or how CRPS occurs or why some people get it while others don’t. These issues can make treatment in many cases difficult.
Ketamine for CRPS
Once your doctor diagnoses CRPS, the next step is to find a treatment. Your provider may first prescribe medications to relieve pain, inflammation, or antidepressant medicine, or to calm muscle spasms and tremors. Injections of corticosteroids may be beneficial.
Ketamine therapy may be an option if these treatments are not effective. According to research, ketamine injections can be very effective for patients suffering from CRPS.
Historically used to treat pain, ketamine has been successfully used in recent years as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including depression resistant to therapy, post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain.
Ketamine blocks nerve receptors that are involved in modulating and perceiving pain. Infusion therapy allows ketamine to be administered intravenously so that it can reach the nerve receptors directly and quickly. Repeat infusions as necessary to reduce painful symptoms.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as Ketamine Infusion For Pain Management.
