Some work injuries don’t heal the way you expect. Even after broken bones or soft tissue injuries recover, some workers are left with intense pain that doesn’t go away. This pain may come from a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. It can be hard to diagnose and treat, and it can turn your life upside down.
This post explains what CRPS is, how it happens after a workplace injury, and how it may affect your workers’ compensation case in California.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
CRPS is a condition where someone has long-lasting pain after an injury. The pain is usually stronger than what you’d expect from the original injury. It often affects one arm, leg, hand, or foot. The pain may feel burning, stabbing, or aching. Sometimes it spreads to other parts of the body.
There are two types of CRPS:
- Type I (used to be called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD): This happens when someone has symptoms of CRPS but no confirmed nerve injury.
- Type II: This happens when a person has a known nerve injury.
CRPS can last for months or even years. It can show up after fractures, sprains, surgeries, or even small injuries like a finger cut. Many workers don’t realize they have it until the pain becomes too much to handle.
Common Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have constant pain, while others feel it only during movement or touch. The earlier you notice symptoms, the better your chances of managing it.
Here are some common symptoms:
- Ongoing, burning pain in one limb
- Swelling and stiffness
- Sensitivity to touch or cold
- Skin color or texture changes
- Shiny or thin skin
- Abnormal sweating in the area
- Changes in nail or hair growth
- Weakness, tremors, or jerky movements
These symptoms can also lead to depression, anxiety, or trouble sleeping because the pain is always there.
What Causes CRPS After a Work Injury?
CRPS usually starts after a physical injury, even if the injury seems small. In a work setting, some common causes include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Crush injuries
- Surgeries after a work injury
- Prolonged use of a cast or sling
- Nerve damage
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries and are still in pain weeks or months later, CRPS could be the reason.
How CRPS Is Diagnosed
There’s no single test to confirm CRPS. Doctors use a mix of your symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests to make a diagnosis.
One method doctors often use is called the Budapest Criteria, which looks at four main categories:
- Sensory (feeling more pain than usual)
- Swelling and skin changes
- Motor changes (trouble moving the limb)
- Abnormal sweating or body temperature
Other helpful tests may include:
- Bone scans
- MRI or X-rays
- Thermography (checks temperature differences in the body)
- Nerve conduction studies
Because CRPS is a “diagnosis of exclusion,” your doctor will rule out other problems before confirming CRPS.
Treatment Options for CRPS
CRPS is hard to treat, but early treatment may stop it from getting worse. Most doctors recommend a combination of treatments. Some options include:
- Physical therapy: Movement and stretching to keep the limb working
- Medications: Such as anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain meds like gabapentin, or antidepressants
- Nerve blocks: Injections to stop pain signals
- Spinal cord stimulation: A device placed near the spine to control pain
- Pain counseling: To deal with the mental effects of chronic pain
- Other treatments: Such as ketamine infusions, mirror therapy, or acupuncture
No single treatment works for everyone. It usually takes a team of doctors and specialists to build a plan that helps.
CRPS and Workers’ Compensation in California
In California, CRPS caused by a work injury may qualify for workers’ compensation. This includes medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits, and future medical care. But because CRPS is hard to diagnose and prove, insurance companies often deny these claims.
If you think your CRPS was caused by a work injury, it’s important to:
- See a doctor right away and report your symptoms clearly
- Keep copies of all medical records and test results
- Follow through with treatment and don’t skip appointments
- Ask for a pain management specialist or neurologist if needed
- Request a qualified medical evaluator (QME) if your claim is denied
The AMA Guides, 5th Edition is often used to rate permanent disability. This means your doctor must document how CRPS affects your daily life and ability to work.
How Much Are Workers’ Comp Settlements for CRPS?
There is no fixed amount for a CRPS settlement in California. The value depends on:
- How serious your pain and symptoms are
- If the condition is permanent
- If you need future medical care like a spinal cord stimulator
- How the injury affects your ability to work
- How well your doctor documents your case
Some cases involving spinal cord stimulators or long-term treatment have been known to settle for $100,000 or more. But every case is different.
Why CRPS Claims Are Often Denied
Workers’ comp insurance companies often question CRPS claims. That’s because:
- The pain may seem worse than the original injury
- Symptoms don’t always show up on X-rays or MRIs
- It’s hard to prove the condition is work-related
That’s why medical records, expert opinions, and consistent treatment are so important. A workers’ comp lawyer can help you build a strong case if your claim gets denied or delayed.
Talk to a Los Angeles Workers’ Comp Lawyer About CRPS
If you’re dealing with constant pain after a work injury and think it might be CRPS, you don’t have to figure it out alone. This condition can take a toll on your body, your mind, and your job. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the treatment and benefits you need.
Call (323) 954-1800 today to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer. We can help you understand your rights, gather strong evidence, and fight for the full benefits you deserve.