Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: current treatment modalities

As we reviewed previously Pain and Therapy journal article, symptoms of CRPS are variable and progress over time. Therefore, early therapy initiation has a key importance for patient prognosis, including the restoration of function, pain control, and improving quality of life. Multidisciplinary approach is the best modern practice, that involves patient education, physical and occupational therapy, psychiatry, along with pharmacological and surgical interventions. According to the authors, any treatment plan should initiate with physical and occupational therapy. A few modalities have been suggested to improve inflammation and pain, namely massage, electrotherapy, acupuncture, contrast baths, isometric strengthening exercise, and gentle range of motion. When talking about pharmacotherapy, the primary goal is helping patients to participate in rehabilitation. For many years, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and corticosteroids have been used both in adults and pediatric patients. Nonetheless, recent research demonstrates no benefit of such treatment. Bisphosphonates and Gabapentin are commonly used in the treatment of CRPS and shown efficacy in reducing pain. Naltrexone and Botulinum toxin A are most recent pharmaceutical options.