Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) awareness month is just around the corner, and organizations across the United States are gearing up to spread the word about the condition. One such organization is Fight the Flame®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal is to raise awareness and educate the public about CRPS.
Fight the Flame was started by a 12-year-old boy who wanted to raise money and awareness for his mother, who has lived with CRPS for 25 years. As the woman explains to Spectrum News:
“You feel like you are on fire. If you have ever burned yourself in the oven. That first couple of moments after you are burning. That’s what my body feels on the inside.”
Hence the name of the family-run organization, Fight the Flame. CRPS is a chronic, debilitating disorder that causes excruciating pain in the affected body part, usually an arm or leg after surgery. For the mother at the heart of Fight the Flame, a knee injury and surgery led to a lifetime of pain.
The organization founded on her behalf hosts an annual 5K race to raise awareness for CRPS, bring people together, and fundraise for education and research. Fight the Flame also offers monthly support meetings and works to end CRPS altogether.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of CRPS?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
“Most CRPS illnesses are caused by improper function of the peripheral C-fiber nerve fibers that carry pain messages to the brain.”
As a nerve injury, the signs and symptoms of CRPS include:
- Unprovoked or spontaneous pain
- Severe sensitivity to normal touch and temperatures (allodynia)
- Excessive or prolonged pain after contact or use
- Changes in skin color, temperature, and texture
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Sweating
- Abnormal nail and hair growth
- Wasting away
- Excess bone growth
- Impaired muscle strength and movement
CRPS cases can range in severity. The condition does not always affect the bones and muscles but nerve damage can impact the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
Nerve Injuries and Medical Malpractice
Usually, CRPS is the result of injured peripheral century neurons. These injuries can occur after strains, sprains, fractures, casts, surgery, and even needle injections. Sometimes, medical negligence can lead to a CRPS injury. For example, if a doctor fits a cast too tightly on a broken limb, the pressure and restricted blood flow can cause CRPS. Similarly, surgeons can damage nerves while making incisions or giving patients stitches.
Medical professionals know how fragile the peripheral nervous system is and should take great care when performing surgery, fitting casts, and treating patients after heart attacks and strokes.
If you have been diagnosed with CRPS after a hospital stay or medical procedure, you should ask questions.
The Law Office of David A. Kates can investigate your case and help you determine what went wrong. If your nerve injury was caused by your doctor’s injury, our team can also help you fight for compensation.
With over 20 years of legal experience, David has what it takes to win your case.
Call us at (718) 866-3664 or contact us online today for experienced, results-driven representation.