Complex regional pain syndrome is a rare condition that causes pain that is burning, constant and severe starting in the hands or feet. It often causes skin, hair, nail and temperature changes. Complex regional pain syndrome typically follows a trauma (surgery, breaking a bone, amputation) or less commonly can happen with no specific trigger. It affects people of all ages. The earlier treatment is started the better the outcome. If untreated, if treatment is delayed, or if someone has an aggressive type of complex regional pain syndrome, the symptoms can spread from one hand or foot, to the other hand or foot and eventually to the entire body. There are many theories as to what causes complex regional pain syndrome but no definite cause is currently agreed upon.

Treatment involves physical therapy and mirror therapy. A pain psychologist can help teach pain coping strategies and techniques like autogenic relaxation (a way to decrease pain whereby a person can control the temperature of their hand as an example). Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can be tried. Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or pregabalin can help. Steroids like prednisone or bone loss prevention medications like alendronate and calcitonin can be prescribed. Stronger pain medication such as opioids (morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone) can offer short term relief but have the problem of addiction and are often of limited benefit. Topical creams of lidocaine, ketamine or clonidine may be useful. The use of Vitamin D and Magnesium have been shown to be of benefit is some studies. Procedures like a sympathetic nerve block (an injection blocking the pain causing fibers) or a spinal cord stimulator can be very helpful.