Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The long-term consequences of a workplace injury can be difficult to predict. Many employees recover within the expected length of time and are able to return to work. Unfortunately, others are not so lucky, and may suffer from chronic pain and disability for the rest of their lives. One major complication that can follow even a minor injury is called complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS.

If you are suffering from medical complications after a workplace injury, you may need to extend your workers’ compensation benefits. Sadly, as you may know from experience, the system is not always as efficient or as fair as it should be. If you need assistance receiving the full compensation you need, call the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529.

What is CRPS?

Chronic regional pain syndrome is a chronic disorder than can develop after a traumatic injury or certain illnesses. Doctors have not been able to determine what causes this condition, or how to predict who may develop it. One common theory is that CRPS is associated with damage to the nervous system, although the initial injury may not have directly harmed any nerves.

The symptoms of CRPS are often mild in the beginning and progress over time. Most cases take several months to progress to the latter stages, but each case is different. For some patients, symptoms can begin and progress very rapidly. These symptoms may include:

• Pain in the injured area that becomes worse over time instead of healing
• Changes in the skin’s temperature, appearance, and sensitivity
• Progressive muscle weakness that may lead to loss of functioning in the affected limbs
• Stiffness and swelling in the joints of the affected limbs
• Rapid hair and nail growth in the initial stages, with delayed growth in the latter stages

If CRPS is diagnosed early enough, it can often be effectively treated, although the symptoms may return at a later time. Unfortunately, if CRPS is not diagnosed in time, it can be very treatment-resistant.

Contact a New Jersey Work Injury Lawyer

Receiving the compensation you need for a workplace injury can be a long struggle. For the legal assistance you need to simplify the process, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529.