Remission and improvement of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is absolutely possible if you start the treatment within first couple of months of first symptoms that you notice. Combining different therapies is essential. Your doctor can customize the treatment for you depending on your medical condition. The treatments for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome comprise of the following
Medications
Doctors may use different types of medications to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome symptoms they are
Anticonvulsants/Antidepressants- sometimes anticonvulsants like gabapentin or antidepressants like Amitriptyline are used for treating pain that occurs due to nerve damage.
Pain Relievers- OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, Motrin B, Naproxen and aspirin can help ease inflammation and pain. Your doctor might prescribe strong pain relievers in case OTC is not effective. Opioid medication is another option, which when taken in right doses can provide relief in case of unbearable pain.
Medication for bone loss- your doctor can suggest medications that help in preventing or slow bone loss.
Intravenous Ketamine- studies say that taking intravenous ketamine in low doses can help eliminate pain as it is a strong anesthetic.
Corticosteroids- medications related to steroids like prednisone helps improve the movement of affected limb and also reduces inflammation.
Therapies
Topical analgesics- topical treatments help decrease the hypersensitivity like capsaicin cream etc.
Physical therapy- very gentle and properly guided exercising of your affected limb can help reduce pain, improve mobility and strength. In case the disease is detected in its early stage, there are many exercises that can prove to be quite helpful.
Applying cold and heat- Application of cold packs and reduce sweating and swelling. Applying heat is useful if the area that is affected is cool.
Biofeedback- for some patients learning techniques used in biofeedback can help. Biofeedback helps you learn more about your body and you can help your body relax and eliminate pain.
Stimulation of Spinal Cord- tiny electrodes are inserted by the doctor along the spinal cord. Electric current (small) sent to your spinal cord gives relief from pain.
Physiotherapy- it helps with flexibility, strength, balance, regaining the muscle mass, cardiovascular conditioning and the therapy is very effective in treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Relaxation techniques- the techniques help reduce anxiety, depression, anger, calms the body. It helps treating pain without any drugs.
Yoga- some yoga postures are also helpful in relieving pain but yoga should be done under the supervision of a trained yoga instructor.
Well it is always better to treat the condition in its early stages as if the pain becomes chronic, each treatment takes longer period of time to show results. The treatments work well when the symptoms are treated in the beginning itself. In severe cases some people also need surgery, but otherwise the above mentioned medications and therapies are quite effective in relieving pain.
Make sure you follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain a good exercise routine and be stress free to fight the symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. You can meditate to be stress free.