Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition often following an injury, characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. Dr. Lance Doeden and Dr. Tyler Ptacek at Rapid City Interventional Pain offer comprehensive treatment options for CRPS, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, and pain management strategies to help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701.


Table of Contents:
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Are there different types of CRPS?
What are the main symptoms of CRPS?
How is CRPS treated?
CRPS is a complex disorder characterized by persistent pain and changes in the skin and muscle of the affected area. At our practice, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to manage CRPS, recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Our experienced clinicians conduct thorough evaluations to distinguish between CRPS-I, where nerve damage is not evident, and CRPS-II, which involves identifiable nerve injuries.
We offer a range of advanced interventional treatments tailored to the unique needs of each patient. These may include nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and other minimally invasive procedures designed to alleviate pain and improve limb function. Our team works closely with patients to develop personalized pain management plans that may also incorporate medications like corticosteroids and targeted physical therapy to maintain mobility and reduce symptoms such as swelling and sensitivity.
Recognizing the psychological impact of living with chronic pain, Rapid City Interventional Pain also provides access to counseling and support services. We focus on fostering a supportive environment to address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with CRPS.
Our commitment to advancing CRPS treatment is underscored by our dedication to staying abreast of the latest research and developments in pain management. By integrating cutting-edge techniques and therapies, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our patients and offer hope for those affected by this complex condition.
Our approach to managing CRPS is multidisciplinary, focusing on personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. We begin with a thorough clinical evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis, differentiating CRPS from other conditions with overlapping symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are key in preventing the progression of this debilitating syndrome.
At Rapid City Interventional Pain, our treatment strategies for CRPS include a variety of options:
1. Medications: We employ a range of medications to manage pain and inflammation effectively, tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and medical history.
2. Physical Therapy: Our skilled therapists work with you to improve your range of motion, enhance mobility, and prevent muscle atrophy, which are crucial components in the management of CRPS.
3. Nerve Blocks: As part of our interventional pain management techniques, nerve blocks can provide significant relief by interrupting pain signals and reducing symptoms.
Our goal at Rapid City Interventional Pain is to manage pain, restore function, and enhance the quality of life for those affected by CRPS. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care that empowers you to regain control and live your life to the fullest. If you or a loved one is dealing with CRPS, contact us to learn more about how we can help.
Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for individuals suffering from CRPS. We recognize that one of the predominant challenges of CRPS is the continuous and intense pain, often described as burning or a deep aching sensation, which is disproportionate to the severity of the original injury. Our approach includes advanced interventional techniques designed to target and reduce this pain, helping to restore comfort and function.
In addition to pain management, we address the increased sensitivity that patients experience, where even light touch or movement can exacerbate discomfort. Our interventions aim to desensitize the affected area and improve mobility, thereby reducing the impact of symptoms like swelling, skin temperature fluctuations, and color changes.
Motor dysfunction, including difficulties in movement, muscle weakness, and tremors, is another aspect we tackle with tailored rehabilitation programs. We work closely with patients to enhance limb function and prevent muscle atrophy, promoting active recovery and physical resilience.
Recognizing the significant functional impairment and emotional distress that CRPS can cause, our holistic approach ensures that both physical and psychological aspects of the condition are addressed. We encourage individuals experiencing symptoms of CRPS to seek a thorough medical evaluation with us, as early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
One of the primary components of our CRPS treatment strategy is physical therapy. Our skilled physical therapists focus on maintaining and improving movement in the affected limb to prevent muscle wasting and joint stiffness. They employ a range of techniques, including exercises for strength and flexibility, as well as desensitization techniques to help reduce pain sensitivity.
Medication management is another essential part of our treatment plan. Depending on the severity of symptoms, we may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain and inflammation or consider corticosteroids, gabapentin, or pregabalin for more severe nerve pain. In certain cases, antidepressants and anticonvulsants may also be utilized for their pain-relieving properties.
For patients who do not find sufficient relief with these modalities, we offer more advanced interventional treatments. These include nerve blocks, which provide temporary pain relief by targeting specific nerves, as well as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug pumps, both of which can be effective in altering pain signals directly at the spinal cord level.
At Rapid City Interventional Pain, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with a team of healthcare providers to deliver tailored treatment plans that address the complex nature of CRPS. Our goal is to offer holistic, patient-centric care that meets the unique needs of each individual, empowering them to lead fuller, more comfortable lives. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.

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Additional Services You May Need
▸ Back Pain Treatment
▸ Neck Pain Treatment
▸ Joint Pain Treatment
▸ Nerve Pain Treatment
▸ Degenerative Disc Disease
▸ Arthritis Pain Treatment
▸ Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
▸ Headaches Treatment
▸ Shoulder Pain Treatment
▸ Hip Pain Treatment
▸ Spinal Cord Stimulator
▸ Complex regional pain
▸ Knee Pain Treatment
▸ Sciatica Pain Treatment