Complex regional pain syndrome causes
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Causes
The cause of this syndrome is currently unknown. Precipitating factors include underlying illness (especially vascular disease, an underlying rheumatic condition, a hidden infection or a coagulopathy in RSD cases), orthopedic injury and surgery. Although there are documented cases that have no identifiable injury to the original site in almost all cases of RSD there was an underlying event or injury.
Doctors aren't sure what causes CRPS. In some cases, the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the pain. Another theory is that CRPS is caused by a triggering of the immune response, which leads to the inflammatory symptoms of redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected area.
CRPS is thought to result from damage to the nervous system, including the nerves that control the blood vessels and sweat glands.
The damaged nerves are no longer able to properly control blood flow, feeling (sensation), and temperature to the affected area. This leads to medical problems in the:
- Blood vessels
- Bones
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Skin
Possible causes of CRPS:
- Injury directly to a nerve
- Injury or infection in an arm or leg
Rarely, sudden illnesses such as a heart attack or stroke can cause CSPS. The condition can sometimes appear without obvious injury to the affected limb.