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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment Specialist in Dallas, TX

At The Beloved Medicine Clinic and Pain Center, Dr. John Melek offers specialized care for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition often following an injury. Dr. Melek employs a comprehensive approach that includes advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to alleviate pain and improve mobility. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7777 Forest Ln Suite A315, Dallas, TX 75230.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment Specialist Near Me in Dallas, TX
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment Specialist Near Me in Dallas, TX

At The Beloved Medicine Clinic and Pain Center, Dr. John Melek offers specialized care for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition often following an injury. Dr. Melek employs a comprehensive approach that includes advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to alleviate pain and improve mobility.  For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7777 Forest Ln Suite A315, Dallas, TX 75230.

At The Beloved Medicine Clinic and Pain Center, Dr. John Melek offers specialized care for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition often following an injury. Dr. Melek employs a comprehensive approach that includes advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to alleviate pain and improve mobility.  For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7777 Forest Ln Suite A315, Dallas, TX 75230.

Table of Contents:

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
What causes CRPS?
What are the common symptoms of CRPS?
How is CRPS diagnosed?

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?


CRPS is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by intense, persistent pain, usually affecting a limb such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot. Although CRPS often follows an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack, its symptoms—such as severe, burning pain, swelling, hypersensitivity, and changes in skin color and temperature—can be significantly more intense and long-lasting than would typically be expected from the original trauma.

There are two types of CRPS. Type 1 (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD) occurs without a confirmed nerve injury. Type 2 (previously termed causalgia) involves clear and identifiable nerve damage. While the exact cause of CRPS remains unclear, it involves abnormal inflammation and dysfunction within the nervous system, contributing to severe and ongoing symptoms.

Recognizing CRPS Symptoms

Patients with CRPS commonly experience symptoms such as:

● Persistent burning, throbbing, or stabbing pain
● Extreme sensitivity to touch, temperature, or movement
● Swelling and inflammation in the affected area
● Changes in skin color, temperature, or texture
● Abnormal sweating patterns
● Muscle weakness and joint stiffness
● Reduced mobility and function
● Changes in hair or nail growth

Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are crucial in effectively managing CRPS and improving patient outcomes.

Our Comprehensive Approach to CRPS Treatment

At our practice, we utilize a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach tailored to each individual’s unique condition. Our specialized team includes highly trained pain management physicians, physical and occupational therapists, psychological counselors, and other healthcare professionals, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Our treatment strategies may include:

● Advanced Pain Management Techniques: Medications, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation therapies to effectively control and reduce pain.
● Physical & Occupational Therapy: Specialized rehabilitation programs designed to restore mobility, reduce sensitivity, and strengthen affected limbs.
● Psychological Support: Counseling and cognitive-behavioral techniques that address emotional challenges associated with chronic pain.

Early intervention is essential to successfully manage CRPS symptoms, prevent long-term damage, and significantly enhance your overall quality of life. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms consistent with CRPS, contact our experienced team at [Practice Name] today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you find relief and regain control of your daily life.

What causes CRPS?


CRPS often begins after an injury, surgery, or trauma, including fractures, sprains, burns, or surgical procedures. However, even minor injuries can trigger symptoms in some patients. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but current research suggests it involves an abnormal response within the nervous system. After injury, the peripheral and central nervous systems may become sensitized, causing exaggerated pain signals, inflammation, and dysfunction long after the initial injury has healed.

In addition to nerve dysfunction, immune system involvement has emerged as an important factor in CRPS. Studies indicate increased inflammatory cytokines and heightened immune system activity in patients, contributing significantly to pain and inflammation. Our practice carefully evaluates these immune-mediated pathways, incorporating treatments designed to target inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and immune responses.

At The Beloved Medicine Clinic and Pain Center, we understand that CRPS is a complex disorder requiring specialized care and multidisciplinary collaboration. By combining cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment plans that may include interventional procedures, medication management, physical therapy, and psychological support, we strive to help our patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.

What are the common symptoms of CRPS?


The pain is often described as persistent, burning, or throbbing, and is typically disproportionate to the initial injury or trauma. Patients commonly experience heightened sensitivity to touch (allodynia) and increased sensitivity to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia).

Our highly trained medical team recognizes that CRPS often presents unique diagnostic challenges due to varying symptoms among individuals. Patients may notice noticeable changes in skin temperature and coloration in the affected limb, including warmer or cooler skin compared to unaffected areas, as well as redness, pallor, or mottled coloring. Swelling and edema are also frequent symptoms, leading to stiffness and limited joint movement.

We emphasize comprehensive care by addressing additional symptoms associated with CRPS, such as altered nail and hair growth—often characterized by faster, slower, or more brittle growth—and abnormal sweating patterns, including excessive perspiration or reduced sweating in the affected limb. Patients may also experience muscle weakness, tremors, muscle spasms, and reduced coordination, which can significantly impact their daily activities and overall quality of life.

How is CRPS diagnosed?


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complex and often challenging condition to diagnose and manage. At our practice, we specialize in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating CRPS through a personalized and comprehensive clinical approach.

Our dedicated team of pain management specialists begins by conducting a thorough clinical evaluation, as there is no single definitive test for CRPS. Our providers will carefully review your medical history, paying close attention to any previous injuries, surgeries, or events that may have triggered your symptoms. We understand the importance of detailed patient history, as CRPS pain is often disproportionate to the initial trauma or injury.

During your evaluation, our physicians will conduct a detailed physical examination, carefully assessing the affected area for characteristic signs of CRPS, including changes in skin temperature, color, swelling, heightened sensitivity to touch, and restriction of movement. Our team has extensive experience recognizing these hallmark signs, helping us arrive at an accurate diagnosis promptly and efficiently.

Ultimately, diagnosing CRPS requires expert clinical reasoning and a careful exclusion of other potential conditions. At our practice, we leverage our extensive experience and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning. Visit us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards effectively managing your CRPS symptoms and improving your quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7777 Forest Ln Suite A315, Dallas, TX 75230. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Plano TX, Addison TX, Richardson TX, Garland TX, and surrounding areas.