October's Monthly Topic :Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Note From The Founder: Hi everyone! ICYMI: After October, I am taking a brief hiatus from monthly topics. Why? So that I can share with you all the details of the final book in my debut poetry series: The Love Story In Poems Series. Including The Title & cover reveal, special sneakpeeks, and of course the preorder. I hope you all take the opportunity to check out the poetry side of my writing career. You can catch up on the series with the first three books of the series, on my amazon store front Now Back To Our Scheduled Program:

Resource Used: mayoclinic.org Disclaimer: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? This condition is a chronic pain condition that can typically effect the arm or leg. This condition can occurs after a person has had a heart attack, stroke, or injury, or after surgery. The pain the person can experience is more intense. Basically, out of proportion to the event or injury. Is CRPS Common? No, it is not a common condition. What Causes CRPS? Because this condition is not a common one for the medical professionals, what causes is something that don’t know enough about yet. Some Signs & Symptoms Of CRPS Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in the arm, leg, hand or foot Sensitivity to touch or cold Swelling of the painful area Changes in skin temperature — alternating between sweaty and cold Changes in skin color, ranging from white and blotchy to red or blue Changes in skin texture, which may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area Changes in hair and nail growth Joint stiffness, swelling and damage Muscle spasms, tremors and weakness (atrophy) Decreased ability to move the affected body part Can Symptoms Change? Yes, symptoms may change over time and vary from person to person. Pain, swelling, redness, noticeable changes in temperature and hypersensitivity (particularly to cold and touch) usually occur first. Over time, the affected limb can become cold and pale. It may undergo skin and nail changes as well as muscle spasms and tightening. Once these changes occur, the condition is often irreversible. CRPS occasionally may spread from its source to elsewhere in the body, such as the opposite limb. Types Of CRPS There are two types of CRPS. Type 1. Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), this type occurs after an illness or injury that didn't directly damage the nerves in the affected limb. About 90% of people with CRPS have type 1.Type 2. Once referred to as causalgia, this type has symptoms similar to those of type 1. Type 2 CRPS occurs after a distinct nerve injury. Many cases of CRPS occur after a forceful trauma to an arm or a leg. This can include a crushing injury or a fracture. Other major and minor traumas — such as surgery, heart attacks, infections and even sprained ankles — also can lead to CRPS. There is also no known reason for what can trigger this condition or why. And not every person who may suffer any of the above events will be diagnosed with CRPS. There is also no answer to why these events or injuries trigger CRPS. What Are The Complications OF CRPS? If CRPS Is not diagnosed and treated early enough the following complications can likely arise. Tissue wasting (atrophy). The skin, bones and muscles may begin to deteriorate and weaken if you avoid or have trouble moving an arm or a leg because of pain or stiffness. Muscle tightening (contracture). You also may experience tightening of the muscles. This may lead to a condition in which the hand and fingers or the foot and toes contract into a fixed position. Can A Person Prevent Getting CRPS? Taking vitamin C after a wrist fracture. Studies have shown that people who take a high dose of vitamin C after a wrist fracture may have a lower risk of CRPS compared with those who didn't take vitamin C. Early mobilization after a stroke. Some research suggests that people who get out of bed and walk around soon after a stroke (early mobilization) reduce their risk of developing CRPS. ****PLEASE IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW AND LOVE IS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION-PLEASE DO NOT TAKE WHAT YOU READ HERE ALONE, AND DO A PROPER DIAGNOSIS WITH A TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSION OF YOUR CHOOSING.***