Complex regional pain syndrome as acause of acute painful limb swelling – acase report

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complex condition characterised by severe pain and various sensory and motor abnormalities. This case report is of an 18-year-old woman presenting with painful upper limb swelling for a few days, with skin mottling and dysesthesia, with significant disability. With negative investigations, a diagnosis of CRPS was made. The case emphasises the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of CRPS, as delayed diagnosis leads to poor quality of life and functional impairment. Healthcare professionals should maintain a high index of suspicion for CRPS in patients with unexplained limb pain and associated sensory and motor abnormalities, ensuring a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to optimise patients' quality of life.

Keywords

• Complex regional pain syndrome
• CRPS
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Limb pain
• Neuralgia