If you have severe pain to your arms or legs, you may have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. This is a serious condition, usually caused by some form of damage to the nervous system. If you have this condition, you may feel pain or burning sensation, muscle weakness or sensitivity to touch. The affected area may also have a slight change in color or a loss of hair.
CRPS is very difficult to diagnose. Doctors often mistake this condition for something else or simply think that their patients are exaggerating their symptoms. It is also very difficult to treat. People who suffer from this disease often feel lonely, frustrated or embarrassed. At times they find comfort with support groups.
CRPS can be caused by a specific accident, such as striking your hands against the ground when trying to protect yourself from a fall. It can also be caused by constant and repetitive motion. The injury does not have to be serious. For these reasons, CRPS injuries are often part of work-related injury claims. If you have CRPS that was caused by a work injury or exposure, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.