Many people often hear about “invisible illnesses” that can be disabling. Some examples of this include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). While some individuals may have heard of those first two conditions, many haven’t heard about CRPS.
CRPS is the result of another injury. This condition causes inflammation and pain that are prolonged in duration. It’s possible that it may be a short-term issue that lasts less than six months; however, it commonly lasts much longer than that.
What are the symptoms occur with CRPS?
Severe, debilitating pain is the primary symptom of CRPS. Sometimes, nerve pain is the most painful symptom that this condition can cause. This condition can also cause swelling below the level of the initial injury. Changes in temperature and color of the affected area are also possible.
Who might suffer from CRPS?
Women are more likely to suffer from CRPS than men. The peak age for this condition is 40, but it is less likely to affect the elderly or children because of the way the body handles injuries in those age groups.
People who have CRPS face an uncertain future. It can take several months to many years for symptoms to abate. It’s possible that some patients with this condition will have symptoms and limitations for the remainder of their life.
If you’re experiencing CRPS or another disabling condition that’s expected to last at least a year, you may opt to file for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. It’s often difficult to receive approval for this type of issue, so working with someone familiar with complex cases is often beneficial.