Foot doctor thinks it's CRPS
 

Good morning,

I'm new to this board and was hoping for some insight. I have attached a photo too; please let me know what you think:

I had left foot reconstruction surgery in July and August. About 3 weeks ago I started with the stabbing, burning pain, spasms, hypersensitivity (water in shower can't directly hit the foot), off and on sweating, blotchy coloring on foot (red/purple), swelling & I am still numb from about mid foot to toes (bottom only). The foot doctor put me on Lyrica which I've been taking for about a week and haven't noticed much of a difference. I'm going to a pain management doctor tomorrow and hopefully he can confirm whether or not this is CRPS and start treating it.

So what do you think? Does it sound like it could be CRPS? I know no one can diagnose it over the internet but just based on some of your past experiences could it be? My PT seems to think it may be as well.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

TIA!

I wish I could help with your questions!! I have CRPS/RSD in my left arm so I am no good with feet :winky:

If it turns out to be CRPS/RSD then stay on this site!! The people here are kind and informative. I have bounced in and out but always get good information as well as kind words and wishes. And lastly...try to be patient. This is a long term issue. Not a curable one. Breathe when you get frustrated and tired of hurting. Keep your head up and try to find positives in your life to look forward to! :hug:

Thanks!
 

Thank you so much for your kind words; they almost made me cry! Just the past 3 weeks have been so trying & it seems to only be the beginning. Tomorrow I will hopefully have some answers; one way or the other! I'll come back and update.

Thanks again :)

It definitely sounds like it could be CRPS/RSD. If I were you I would read up on CRPS/RSD as much as possible and see how it compares to what you are experiencing. I know when my doctor first mentioned RSD and then I looked it up it was such a relief because I KNEW it was what I had and all my "strange" symptoms and the things I was experiencing finally made sense.

Two big things I would advise you...avoid ice and do NOT immobilize the foot (rest is fine but you want to keep trying to move it regularly through stretching and as much weight bearing as you can manage without overdoing it).

Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

Thank you for your insight. It's funny you mention research; that's all I've been doing! And to me it really sounds like CRPS. I am avoiding the ice and the immobilization (unfortunately I was non weight bearing for 8 weeks in a cast from 7/22 to 9/22). That probably didn't help and might have caused it. My PT says to keep it moving and I'm trying but the pain/swelling/sensitivity is making it tough! I'll let you know what the doctor says.

Thanks again!

I suggest reading through Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Practical Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines, 4th Edition.

In it you will find:


If you read through "Complex regional pain syndrome: are the IASP diagnostic criteria valid
and suf®ciently comprehensive?", you will discover that even those who meet all the criteria, especially early on, can get mis-diagnosed (either with CRPS or without).

The best thing you can do is prepare a list of questions for your doctor and make sure you get them all answered. good luck!

Hi, I have CRPS in both feet. It started in my right foot after tendon surgery. What you describe and the picture both seem like CRPS to me. I had most of the symptoms you describe early on and still have some today. My PT was one of the first people to recognize my symptoms as CRPS too. It's great that you are seeing a Pain Doc tomorrow. There are several different treatments available and I hope you find this Doc professional, compassionate and very experienced in treating CRPS. Someone you connect with and trust will make all the difference in getting and keeping you as pain and symptom free as possible. Would love to hear how things turn out for you! Good luck!

Hi, I have CRPS in both feet. It started in my right foot after tendon surgery. What you describe and the picture both seem like CRPS to me. I had most of the symptoms you describe early on and still have some today. My PT was one of the first people to recognize my symptoms as CRPS too. It's great that you are seeing a Pain Doc tomorrow. There are several different treatments available and I hope you find this Doc professional, compassionate and very experienced in treating CRPS. Someone you connect with and trust will make all the difference in getting and keeping you as pain and symptom free as possible. Would love to hear how it goes! Good luck!

Confirmed
 

So, it is CRPS - the pain doctor confirmed it this morning. He actually said I was a classic case and as such treatment begins. I've been prescribed Nucynta (as needed) in conjunction with the Lyrica and he wants to treat it aggressively. Sympathetic nerve blocks every other week until we can drive into remission. It's all so overwhelming - I'm sure I'll have questions as I go through this journey with you all. Thanks for all the replies and well wishes; it means alot and I wish you all a painless (at least a less painful) holiday season.

It could be RSD, but looking a your picture, perhaps its your nerves that are springing back to life. What does your doctor who performed the surgery say about the nerve pain?