[cprs21601]

I was in an accident in December 2013 and fractured my right wrist, since then was diagnosed soon after with CPRS and started Occupational Theropy right away. This gave me my range of motion almost back to normal but I am still dealing with numbness, pain and weakness. I was told by my doctor that I should not do anything to re-injure this again and if I do to start theropy right away. Is this the norm with this condition? Am I going to have to live life being careful not to injure this and that numbness will continue? I don't know what to expect and how long this will continue?

[Kitt]

Welcome cprs21601.

[zookester]

Originally Posted by cprs21601

I was in an accident in December 2013 and fractured my right wrist, since then was diagnosed soon after with CPRS and started Occupational Theropy right away. This gave me my range of motion almost back to normal but I am still dealing with numbness, pain and weakness. I was told by my doctor that I should not do anything to re-injure this again and if I do to start theropy right away. Is this the norm with this condition? Am I going to have to live life being careful not to injure this and that numbness will continue? I don't know what to expect and how long this will continue?

I'm sorry about your accident and diagnosis! Welcome to the group

Yes, it would be good to try to prevent further injuries to that wrist. Along with therapy if you do have an unfortunate accident involving your wrist I would highly suggest taking an extra 500mg of vitamin C for 6-8 weeks after. There is much literature specifically about wrist injuries and vitamin C in preventing CRPS. Personally I just take it everyday since we can never predict an "accident".

If you have numbness without the burning pain of CRPS then this will most likely continue to improve as the nerve regenerates - that can take several years. If the pain you mention is still part of the healing process and not neuropathic pain then this will likely also improve over time as long as you keep up with therapy at home and don't immobilize it. Fractures can take 2-3 years to fully heal and even then most will have some pain now and then. Same goes for weakness.. keep up with home therapy several times per day and even if with CRPS it will continue to improve some. The worst thing with CRPS is inactivity of the affected limb - the more you touch, move and think of it as a fully functioning body part the better progress you will make in combating the effects of CRPS. If you can stand to touch it then massaging it (preferably with oil/lotion) will help prevent sensitization and increase the healing process so that the numbness isn't so annoying.

Stay positive, get proper nutrition and never forget how important daily therapy is and you will do better in the long run. CRPS is an unpredictable disease that so far hasn't been cured.. however there is hope and many people do get improvement even if those improvements are in small increments.

Soaking in epsom salt bath is also very beneficial and makes massage and touching much easier for those of us who are sensitive to even the slightest touch since you can do it underwater.

This group is an amazing source of information and support - just be mindful in that each one of us have a unique experience as far as pain, symptoms and our ability to cope, so try not to let the stories of the most severe cases plant a seed of hopelessness. Optimism is key, no matter what level of pain one endures.

Best wishes,
Tessa

[catra121]

Unfortunately you are going to need to be on guard when it comes to ANY injury from this point on...in your wrist or anywhere else. Reinjury of the wrist can definitely make things worse and cause bad flare ups...but injury, surgery, etc on any other part of the body CAN cause spread of the CRPS to that area. It doesn't always...but you are going to want to be alert after any injury no matter how small of the signs of CRPS so that you can get them treated right away.

Immediate treatment is the key with CRPS. The sooner you start treatment and address any flare ups or new pain...the better off you will be. Remember not to guard your wrist or fall into a habit of immobilizing/disuse...this will make the CRPS worse. So...you need to be careful of reinjury but you can't stop using the wrist or be overprotective. It's quite the balancing act for sure.