Hi CG,

One of the problems with CRPS at a specific site; arm, hand, foot...is that there is a tendency to favor the limb and not use it properly because it hurts. The disuse exacerbates swelling, circulatory issues and atrophy as well as causing other problems from holding it in a weird way. Often CRPS results from an injury or surgery that impacts the specific limb, again creating issues. Obviously, site specific exercise won't address a whole body issue. However, swimming addresses everything and isn't stressful. Riding a bike, yoga, light weightlifting, stretching gently, walking..All of these things are helpful for body and spirit.

I would do what you can comfortably without stressing your body to the point of pain. You want your nervous system to get lots of interesting non-painful input. Today, I walked in sand and cold water. I have a nerve injury and weird sensations and pain. The walk was great because I had cold water, cool spray, hot sand, cool sand, hard packed and also squishy sand. I could get all these sensations depending on where I walked. My foot was so busy interpreting all that it just felt good and normal and didn't hurt.

I would not stress too much about the timeline. Many people come to a CRPS diagnosis late. I asked my neurologist in a panic at 6 months if I needed to really DO something about it. His response was that I was already doing everything non-invasive that could be done. I work out several times a week, take good care of myself, eat well and take medication and supplements to help my nerve stay calm. I try to stay positive and settled. It makes a difference for sure.