Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I is a regional pain syndrome that usually develops after tissue trauma. Allodynia (the perception of a nonpainful stimulus as painful), hyperpathia (an exaggerated pain response to a painful stimulus), and spontaneous pain occur. Symptoms are unrelated to the severity of the initial trauma and are not confined to the distribution of a single peripheral nerve. CRPS type II is a regional pain syndrome that develops after injury to a peripheral nerve, usually a major nerve trunk. Spontaneous pain initially develops within the territory of the affected nerve but eventually may spread outside the nerve distribution.

• Early mobilization with physical therapy or a brief course of glucocorticoids may be helpful for CRPS type I or II. Chronic glucocorticoid treatment is not recommended.
• Current treatment paradigms are multidisciplinary with a focus on early mobilization, physical therapy, pain management, pt education, and psychological support.