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Síndrome da Dor Regional Complexa (SDRC)

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What CRPS is, why it sometimes follows a wrist or hand injury or operation, how it is recognised and treated, and what recovery looks like.

Updated Oct 2026
Uma mão com um halo suave que sugere sensibilidade aumentada.
Na SDRC, um membro pode tornar-se extremamente doloroso, inchado e sensível, de forma desproporcional em relação à lesão original. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e ainda não foi verificada por um médico. A versão em inglês é a versão oficial.

O que você está sentindo

A síndrome da dor regional complexa (SDRC) é uma condição que causa dor intensa e duradoura após uma lesão, às vezes uma lesão relativamente pequena. Você também pode ouvi-la ser chamada de distrofia simpático-reflexa (DSR). A dor geralmente é desproporcional à lesão original e tende a se espalhar para além do local que foi machucado. Junto com a dor, você pode notar alterações na pele, inchaço e que a sua mão ou o seu braço não funciona como antes.

A dor pode piorar à noite e atrapalhar o sono, e muitas vezes piora após alguma atividade. As tarefas do dia a dia que usam a mão podem ficar difíceis: segurar uma chaleira, girar uma chave, escrever, abotoar roupas ou carregar as compras. A condição pode afetar o quanto a sua mão se recupera após uma fratura, como uma fratura do punho, quanto tempo você fica afastado do trabalho e o quanto você fica satisfeito com a sua recuperação.

Não existe um único exame que confirme a SDRC. O seu médico faz o diagnóstico com base na sua história clínica e no exame físico, e somente depois de descartar outras causas para a sua dor. Isso é importante, porque algumas outras condições podem ser parecidas e precisam de um tratamento diferente.

Como a SDRC pode levar à perda duradoura de função se não for tratada cedo, é importante reconhecê-la rapidamente. Começar o tratamento logo dá a você a melhor chance de manter a sua mão e o seu braço funcionando.

Se a sua mão ou o seu braço ficar quente, vermelho, inchado e dolorido, especialmente com febre, vá ao pronto-socorro no mesmo dia. Não é necessário encaminhamento do médico de família. Se os seus dedos ou a sua mão ficarem pálidos, frios, brancos ou azulados, ou se você perder subitamente a sensibilidade ou o movimento após uma lesão, vá também ao pronto-socorro no mesmo dia. Se os seus sintomas não estiverem melhorando, estiverem piorando ao longo de semanas, acordarem você à noite ou impedirem você de trabalhar ou de usar a mão ou o braço, consulte o seu médico de família ou peça uma avaliação por um especialista.

O que realmente está acontecendo

A SDRC não é um problema da articulação nem do próprio osso. É um problema dos nervos que transmitem as mensagens de dor e da forma como o seu corpo responde a uma lesão.

Após uma lesão ou cirurgia, o seu corpo normalmente dispara um sinal de alarme. A lesão cicatriza, o alarme se desliga e a dor melhora. Na SDRC, esse alarme continua tocando muito tempo depois de o tecido ter cicatrizado. Os nervos do braço e da mão continuam "ligados", e o sistema da dor fica sensível demais, reagindo a coisas que não deveriam doer. Os nervos que controlam o fluxo sanguíneo e o suor também são afetados, e é por isso que a pele pode mudar de cor, ficar quente ou fria e inchar.

É por isso que os sintomas que você acabou de ler acontecem. A dor em queimação, o inchaço e as alterações na pele vêm todos de nervos que estão trabalhando em excesso, e não de um dano contínuo no local da lesão. A dor é real, mesmo que a lesão original tenha sido pequena.

Você pode ver a condição descrita por nomes diferentes. A SDRC era chamada antigamente de distrofia simpático-reflexa, ou DSR. Esses nomes descrevem o mesmo problema, e a mistura de termos às vezes causou confusão.

Não existe exame de sangue nem exame de imagem que confirme a SDRC. O seu médico descobre se você tem a condição a partir da sua história clínica e do exame físico, depois de verificar que nada mais está causando a sua dor.

A SDRC não tem uma única causa. Vários fatores se combinam para desencadeá-la. Algumas pessoas têm mais probabilidade de desenvolvê-la do que outras, e ter tido antes um problema nos nervos do mesmo braço pode aumentar o risco. Identificá-la cedo é importante, porque o tratamento iniciado logo dá a você a melhor chance de evitar rigidez duradoura e perda da função da mão.

O que podemos fazer a respeito

Há muito que você mesmo pode fazer. Manter a mão e o braço em movimento é a base do tratamento, porque deixá-los em repouso completo tende a piorar a situação. A terapia ocupacional combinada com a fisioterapia ajuda a recuperar as atividades do dia a dia que são importantes para você, como se vestir, cozinhar e escrever. Algumas pessoas também acham útil a terapia do espelho: você observa a imagem refletida da sua mão saudável se movimentando, o que reeduca a forma como o seu cérebro processa a dor. A terapia com laser de alta intensidade também pode reduzir a dor, às vezes a partir da terceira sessão de tratamento. Dê a essas abordagens uma chance justa ao longo de várias semanas antes de julgar se estão funcionando para você.

Os medicamentos podem ajudar com a dor enquanto você trabalha o movimento. Analgésicos e comprimidos anti-inflamatórios podem acalmar os sintomas o suficiente para que você participe da terapia. Um ciclo de comprimidos de corticoide (prednisolona) é outra opção que o seu médico pode considerar, especialmente quando tratamentos mais especializados são difíceis de conseguir. Um medicamento chamado cetamina pode ser considerado se a sua SDRC tiver se tornado duradoura ou não tiver respondido a outros tratamentos. Há também um creme ou pomada (doxepina) que pode ser aplicado na pele. Lembre-se de que os medicamentos aliviam a dor, mas não curam a condição sozinhos; por isso, funcionam melhor junto com o movimento e a terapia.

Se os seus sintomas forem intensos e continuarem sem melhorar apesar das medidas acima, o seu médico de família ou outro médico pode encaminhar você para uma avaliação especializada. Para algumas condições específicas, um procedimento pode ocasionalmente ser considerado.

O que esperar

A evolução da SDRC é diferente para cada pessoa. Algumas pessoas percebem que os sintomas melhoram ao longo de semanas a meses com tratamento. Outras têm uma dor que vai e volta, com bons períodos entre as crises. Como a condição pode se tornar duradoura se não for tratada cedo, quanto antes você começar, maiores serão as suas chances de manter a mão e o braço funcionando.

A recuperação geralmente é gradual, e não repentina. Com um tratamento bem conduzido, a maioria das pessoas percebe que a dor em queimação alivia primeiro, depois o inchaço diminui, e o movimento e a força voltam ao longo de semanas a meses. Você ainda pode ter dias em que a dor piora após alguma atividade, mas esses dias tendem a ficar menos frequentes. O objetivo é fazer você voltar às tarefas do dia a dia, como se vestir, cozinhar e escrever.

Se a SDRC não for tratada, ela pode levar a rigidez duradoura e perda da função da mão. Os analgésicos podem aliviar a dor, mas sozinhos não curam a condição. É por isso que o movimento e a terapia estão no centro do tratamento.

Há algumas notícias animadoras sobre problemas nos nervos associados. A compressão nervosa (quando um nervo é apertado ao passar por um espaço estreito) muitas vezes coexiste com a SDRC. Quando há evidências claras disso, tratá-la pode acelerar a sua recuperação, e muitas pessoas com SDRC tipo 1 têm resolução completa dos sintomas depois que a compressão é liberada.

Quando procurar ajuda médica

A maioria dos sinais de alerta da SDRC já foi abordada anteriormente nesta página, e os mesmos caminhos valem aqui. Vá a um pronto-socorro no mesmo dia se a sua mão ou o seu braço ficar quente, vermelho, inchado e dolorido, especialmente com febre, ou se os seus dedos ou a sua mão ficarem pálidos, frios, brancos ou azulados, ou se você perder subitamente a sensibilidade ou o movimento após uma lesão. Consulte o seu médico de família ou peça uma avaliação por um especialista se os seus sintomas não estiverem melhorando, estiverem piorando ao longo de semanas, acordarem você à noite ou impedirem você de trabalhar ou de usar a mão ou o braço. Se você não conseguir contato com a clínica, vá ao pronto-socorro mais próximo.

Vale a pena saber outros dois pontos. A SDRC é diagnosticada a partir da sua história clínica e do exame físico, porque nenhum exame consegue confirmá-la ou descartá-la. E como algumas outras condições podem imitá-la, o seu médico só vai chamá-la de SDRC depois de verificar outras causas para a sua dor.

Reviewed by Kieran Hirpara · 13 June 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by pain, autonomic dysfunction, trophic changes, and functional impairment [1].
  • CRPS is a multifactorial condition that requires further study to better understand its pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetic involvement, psychological implications, and treatment options [8].
  • The terms reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), sympathetically maintained pain (SMP), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have often been used synonymously, which leads to misunderstanding and misdiagnosis [13].
  • The diagnosis of CRPS is made primarily on a clinical basis based on history and physical examination [2, 14].
  • No specific test is known to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of CRPS [2].
  • Quantitative sensory testing outcomes indicate altered pain mechanisms in CRPS compared to controls, with a pooled standardized mean difference of -0.41 [10].
  • The Hamilton Inventory can be relied upon to assess CRPS symptoms, functional limitations, and psychosocial impacts [9].
  • Early recognition and prompt treatment of CRPS are important to minimize permanent loss of function, though patients may still experience permanent impairment and disability [14].
  • CRPS is a severe and disabling condition that often follows a minor injury [11].
  • Chronic pain from CRPS or RSD of the foot and ankle presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the foot and ankle surgeon [3].
  • The reported incidence of CRPS is influenced by the choice of diagnostic criteria, study location, and how the fracture is managed [44].
  • The overall 1-year incidence rate of CRPS following isolated cubital tunnel surgery is approximately 0.33% [15].
  • It is very difficult to reach definitive conclusions regarding the risk factors for, the prevention of, and the recurrence of CRPS [20].
  • A more active treatment approach for distal radius fracture seems to lower the incidence of CRPS-1 [16].
  • A well-established referral system and knowledge of CRPS I in the multidisciplinary team seem to reduce the incidence of CRPS I in patients with hand injury and after hand surgery [26].
  • Following patients closely for the development of CRPS I may be advantageous for early preventative and therapeutic interventions [6].
  • The recurrence rate of CRPS fell significantly from 72% to 10% when a stellate ganglion block was performed in patients with a history of CRPS undergoing surgery on the affected upper extremity [12].
  • Traditionally, surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with CRPS; however, in the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression, surgical intervention may hasten recovery [5].

Background & Causes

  • The terms reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), sympathetically maintained pain (SMP), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have often been used synonymously, leading to misunderstanding and misdiagnosis [13].
  • The diagnosis of CRPS is made primarily on a clinical basis, and no specific test is known to confirm or exclude the diagnosis [2].
  • The diagnosis of CRPS is based on history and physical examination [14].
  • Early recognition and prompt treatment are important to minimize permanent loss of function, though patients may still experience permanent impairment and disability [14].
  • The peripheral pathophysiology involves a prolonged inflammatory response to injury due to the axon reflex with release of vasoactive neuropeptides and sensitized nociceptors [32].
  • In RSD patients, sympathetic nervous system function is altered and differs in the various stages [33].
  • Interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems should be considered when planning research into pathological pain states [35].
  • Quantitative sensory testing outcomes indicate altered pain mechanisms in complex regional pain syndrome compared to controls, with a pooled standardized mean difference of -0.41 [10].
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a pain syndrome characterized by pain, decreased joint motion, vasomotor and trophic changes, and a favorable response to sympathetic blockade [27].
  • Preexisting neuropathic disorders, particularly traumatic nerve injuries, compressive neuropathies, and cervical radiculopathy, are the strongest predictors of CRPS after distal radius fracture [30].
  • A pre-existing diagnosis of fibromyalgia was independently associated with CRPS at 3-months (OR 2.42) and 1-year (OR 1.73) [31].
  • Female sex and release of more than one digit are significant predictors of developing CRPS following treatment of Dupuytren contracture [19].
  • Elderly patients, females, and manual laborers have higher risks for the occurrence of CRPS after distal radius fracture surgery [47].
  • Patients who developed CRPS Type 1 after radial forearm fracture had neither a unique psychological pattern nor displayed more symptoms of depression than those who recovered uneventfully [22].
  • A more active treatment approach seems to lower the incidence of CRPS-1 following distal radius fracture [16].
  • 30 of the 35 (86%) patients with RSD in a specific study were shown to have one or more nerve entrapments in the affected limb [24].

Symptoms & Presentation

  • CRPS is a multifactorial condition [8].
  • CRPS 1 is a severe and disabling condition often following a minor injury [11].
  • Chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of the foot and ankle presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the foot and ankle surgeon [3].
  • The terms reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), sympathetically maintained pain (SMP), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have too often been used synonymously, leading to misunderstanding and misdiagnosis [13].
  • Glomus tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with unusual chronic pain or neuropathy, and the diagnosis of CRPS should only be a diagnosis of exclusion [43].

Management

Diagnosis and Assessment

  • The diagnosis of CRPS is made primarily on a clinical basis [2].
  • No specific test is known to confirm or exclude a CRPS diagnosis [2].
  • Early recognition and prompt treatment are important to minimize permanent loss of function [14].
  • Patients with CRPS may still experience permanent impairment and disability despite early treatment [14].

Risk Factors and Prevention

  • Female sex is a significant predictor of developing CRPS following treatment of Dupuytren contracture [19].
  • Release of more than one digit is a significant predictor of developing CRPS following treatment of Dupuytren contracture [19].
  • Close follow-up of patients with distal radius fractures may be advantageous for early preventative and therapeutic interventions for CRPS I [6].
  • CRPS following isolated cubital tunnel surgery is exceedingly rare, with an overall 1-year incidence rate of approximately 0.33% [15].

Non-Operative Management

  • In patients presenting with chronic or refractory CRPS, strong consideration should be given for the use of ketamine [4].
  • Prednisolone is a potential treatment option for CRPS, particularly in resource-limited settings where more specialized interventions may be unavailable [17].
  • High-intensity laser therapy and mirror therapy offer conclusive evidence of pain reduction in CRPS-I, even after the third HILT treatment session [18].
  • Occupational therapy combined with physical therapy brings a real benefit in restoring essential activities of daily life in CRPS [37].
  • Hypnotherapy combined with physical therapy appears to be an effective treatment strategy for CRPS-1 in the hand and wrist, regardless of disease stage [41].
  • Thermal self-regulation was effective as a pain reduction strategy for patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome who had failed to benefit from other treatments [34].
  • Continuous cervical epidurals may deserve prospective evaluation as a potentially viable treatment option for advanced upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy in combination with physical therapy and other conventional therapeutic regimens [38].
  • Topical application of doxepin may represent a simple option for the management of CRPS [42].
  • The methodological quality of non-pharmacological treatment approaches for upper limb CRPS is overall poor [25].
  • Analgesic treatments for CRPS-I have good analgesic effects but do not cure the condition [7].

Operative Management

  • Traditionally, surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with complex regional pain syndrome [5].
  • In the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression, surgical intervention may hasten recovery in patients with CRPS [5].
  • Compression syndromes coexist with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and must be treated to best deal with RSD [28].
  • A large percentage of patients diagnosed with and treated for CRPS type 1 can have full resolution of their symptoms with carpal tunnel release [21].
  • The recurrence rate of CRPS fell significantly from 72% to 10% when a stellate ganglion block was performed in patients undergoing surgery on the affected upper extremity [12].
  • Subclavian vein release is a surgical management option for resistant complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) [11].

Key Considerations

Diagnosis and Pathophysiology

Risk Factors and Incidence

  • CRPS is common after hand trauma or surgery [1].
  • CRPS-related hand lesions developed in 19.4% of patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [23].
  • A pre-existing diagnosis of fibromyalgia was independently associated with CRPS at 3-months (OR 2.42) and 1-year (OR 1.73) following distal radius fracture [31].
  • A well-established referral system and knowledge of CRPS I in the multidisciplinary team seems to reduce the incidence of CRPS I in patients with hand injury and after hand surgery [26].

Treatment Considerations

  • Analgesics, despite their good analgesic effects, do not cure CRPS-I [7].
  • High-intensity laser therapy and mirror therapy offer conclusive evidence of pain reduction in CRPS-I, even after the third treatment session [18].
  • Traditionally surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with complex regional pain syndrome; however, in the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression, surgical intervention may hasten recovery [5].
  • 30 of the 35 (86%) patients with RSD in a study were shown to have one or more nerve entrapments in the affected limb [24].
  • The early and complete resolution of symptoms in all five patients in a study implies that continued nerve compression or irritation was not the significant problem, suggesting psychological factors or peripheral sympathetic hyperreactivity were predominant [48].

Key Evidence

  • [Paper] Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical syndrome of pain, autonomic dysfunction, trophic changes, and functional impairment that is common after hand trauma or surgery. [1] (10.1197/j.jht.2005.02.005)
  • [Paper] Diagnosis of Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is made primarily on a clinical basis, and no specific test is known to confirm or exclude CRPS diagnosis. [2] (10.1142/s2424835518300013)
  • [L5] Chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of the foot and ankle presents a myriad of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the foot and ankle surgeon. [3] (10.1016/s0278-5919(03)00090-5)
  • [L1] In patients presenting with chronic or refractory CRPS, strong consideration should be given for the use of ketamine. [4] (10.1177/15589447221131847)
  • [L4] Traditionally surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with complex regional pain syndrome; however, in the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression surgical intervention may hasten recovery in these patients. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.08.006)
  • [L3] To following these patients closely for the development of CRPS I may be advantageous for early preventative and therapeutic interventions. [6] (10.1142/s2424835518500571)
  • [L5] The latter, despite their good analgesic effects, do not cure CRPS-I. [7] (10.1016/j.main.2013.07.011)
  • [L4] CRPS is a multifactorial condition that still requires further studying to better understand its pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetic involvement, psychological implications, and treatment options. [8] (10.1007/s40122-021-00279-4)
  • [L4] It can be relied upon to assess CRPS symptoms, functional limitations, and psychosocial impacts. [9] (10.1016/j.jht.2025.02.004)
  • [L1] The systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative sensory testing outcomes indicates altered pain mechanisms in complex regional pain syndrome compared to controls, with a pooled standardized mean difference of -0.41. [10] (10.1186/s13018-022-03461-2)
  • [L4] CRPS 1 is a severe and disabling condition often following by a minor injury. [11] (10.1016/s0363-5023(03)80425-2)
  • [L3] The recurrence rate of CRPS fell significantly from 72% to 10% when a stellate ganglion block was performed in this patient population. [12] (10.1053/jhsu.2000.18496)
  • [L5] The terms reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), sympathetically maintained pain (SMP), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have too often been used synonymously, leading to misunderstanding and misdiagnosis. [13] (10.1016/s0894-1130(00)80017-4)
  • [L2] CRPS following isolated CuTS is exceedingly rare, with an overall 1-year incidence rate of approximately 0.33%. [15] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101028)
  • [L3] A more active treatment approach seems to lower the incidence of CRPS-1. [16] (10.1177/1558944719895782)
  • [L4] The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing CRPS and highlights the potential of prednisolone as a treatment option, particularly in resource-limited settings where more specialized interventions may be unavailable. [17] (10.1186/s12891-024-07333-0)
  • [L1] The study results offer conclusive evidence of pain reduction, a highly debilitating symptom in CRPS-I, even after the third HILT treatment session. [18] (10.1016/j.jht.2025.02.009)
  • [L3] Female sex and release of more than one digit are significant predictors of developing CRPS. [19] (10.1177/1558944720963915)
  • [L5] It is very difficult to reach any definitive conclusions regarding the risk factors for, the prevention of, and the recurrence of CRPS. [20] (10.1016/j.jhsb.2004.01.003)
  • [L3] This study demonstrates that a large percentage of patients diagnosed with and treated for CRPS type 1 can have full resolution of their symptoms with carpal tunnel release. [21] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.09.024)
  • [L2] Therefore, patients who eventually developed CRPS Type 1 after radial forearm fracture had neither a unique psychological pattern nor displayed more symptoms of depression than those who recovered uneventfully. [22] (10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.06.023)
  • [L3] CRPS-related hand lesions developed in 19.4% of patients following ARCR. [23] (10.5397/cise.2021.00080)
  • [L4] 30 of the 35 (86%) patients with RSD in this study were shown to have one or more nerve entrapments in the affected limb. [24] (10.1016/0266-7681(93)90057-m)
  • [L1] Methodological quality of non-pharmacological treatment approaches for upper limb CRPS is overall poor. [25] (10.1177/17589983221138610)
  • [L4] A well-established referral system and knowledge of CRPS I in the multidisciplinary team seems to reduce the incidence of CRPS I in patients with hand injury and after hand surgery. [26] (10.1177/1558944716660555km)
  • [L4] Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a pain syndrome characterized by pain, decreased joint motion, vasomotor and trophic changes, and a favorable response to sympathetic blockade. [27] (10.1016/s0363-5023(83)80006-9)
  • [L4] Compression syndromes coexist with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and must be treated to best deal with RSD. [28] (10.1016/0363-5023(91)90202-m)
  • [L3] Preexisting neuropathic disorders, particularly traumatic nerve injuries, compressive neuropathies, and cervical radiculopathy, are the strongest predictors of CRPS after distal radius fracture. [30] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.01.004)
  • [L3] A pre-existing diagnosis of fibromyalgia was independently associated with CRPS at 3-months (OR 2.42) and 1-year (OR 1.73). [31] (10.1016/j.injury.2026.113140)
  • [L5] The peripheral pathophysiology involves a prolonged inflammatory response to injury due to the axon reflex with release of vasoactive neuropeptides and sensitized nociceptors. [32] (10.1016/s0894-1130(97)80068-3)
  • [L4] These results suggest that in RSD patients the sympathetic nervous system function is altered and is different in the various stages. [33] (10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80031-9)
  • [L4] This intervention was effective as a pain reduction strategy for our patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome who had failed to benefit from other treatments. [34] (10.1016/s0363-5023(09)90024-7)
  • [L4] Interactions between the neuroendocrine and immune systems should be considered when planning research into pathological pain states. [35] (10.1016/s0266-7681(98)80162-9)
  • [L3] In CRPS, OT combined with PT brings a real benefit in restoring the essential activities of daily life. [37] (10.1016/j.hansur.2016.06.005)
  • [L4] Continuous cervical epidurals may deserve prospective evaluation as a potentially viable treatment option for advanced upper extremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy in combination with physical therapy and other conventional therapeutic regimens. [38] (10.1016/s0363-5023(05)80296-5)
  • [L4] Hypnotherapy combined with physical therapy appears to be an effective treatment strategy for CRPS-1 in the hand and wrist, no matter the disease stage. [41] (10.1016/j.hansur.2016.12.008)
  • [L5] This case report suggests that the topical application of doxepin may represent a simple option for the management of CRPS. [42] (10.1016/s0020-1383(01)00054-7)
  • [Case_report] Glomus tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with unusual chronic pain or neuropathy, and the diagnosis of CRPS should only be a diagnosis of exclusion. [43] (10.1177/1558944719895618)
  • [L1] The reported incidence of CRPS is influenced by choice of diagnostic criteria, along with the study location and/or how the fracture is managed. [44] (10.1177/1758998320910179)
  • [L3] The occurrence of CRPS is the result of many factors, with elderly patients, females, and manual laborers having higher risks. [47] (10.1186/s12891-024-07948-3)
  • [L5] The early and complete resolution of symptoms in all five of their patients implies that continued nerve compression or irritation was not the significant problem, suggesting psychological factors or peripheral sympathetic hyperreactivity were predominant. [48] (10.1016/s0363-5023(80)80021-9)

References

[1] Diagnosis and Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Complicating Upper Extremity Recovery. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2005. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2005.02.005

[2] Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1: Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume). 2018. DOI: 10.1142/s2424835518300013

[3] Complex regional pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5919(03)00090-5

[4] Pharmacologic Treatments in Upper Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Review and Analysis of Quality of Evidence. HAND. 2022. DOI: 10.1177/15589447221131847

[5] Nerve decompression for complex regional pain syndrome type II following upper extremity surgery. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2005. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.08.006

[6] Investigate the Effect of Psychological Factors in Development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I in Patients with Fracture of the Distal Radius: A Prospective Study. The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume). 2018. DOI: 10.1142/s2424835518500571

[7] Type I complex regional pain syndrome. Chirurgie de la Main. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.main.2013.07.011

[8] Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Pain and Therapy. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00279-4

[9] Psychometric evaluation of the Hamilton Inventory to evaluate signs and symptoms in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Journal of Hand Therapy. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2025.02.004

[10] Pain mechanisms in complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative sensory testing outcomes. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03461-2

[11] The surgical management of resistant complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) by subclavian vein release. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(03)80425-2

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