Complex regional pain syndrome - Diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome

There is no single test for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It is usually diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

As a result, it can take a long time for a confident diagnosis of CRPS to be made. It's estimated that the average length of time between the start of symptoms and a diagnosis is up to two years.

Tests

Some of the tests you may have to rule out other conditions can include:

• blood tests – to rule out an underlying infection or rheumatoid arthritis
• a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – to rule out underlying problems with your tissue or bones
• an X-ray – to rule out problems with the joints and bones
• nerve conduction studies – to rule out damage to nerves

A physical examination may also be carried out by your GP or another specialist to check for physical signs of CRPS, such as swelling and changes to your skin’s temperature and appearance.

A diagnosis of CRPS can usually be made if you have clear symptoms of the condition and no other possible cause can be found.

Referral

If you are diagnosed with CRPS, you will usually be referred to a local specialist pain clinic. These are mostly located within hospitals.

Referrals are ideally made as soon as possible to ensure treatment can be started quickly, because treatment can often improve functionality of the limb and may improve pain levels.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.

Joint

Joints are the connection point between two bones that allow movement.

Trauma

Damage to the body’s tissues.