Originally Posted by zookester (Post 1105780)

Yes, Epsom salt soaking helps with the inflammatory response which in turn will reduce scar tissue formation (scarring of soft tissue increases pain and stiffness), this will also reduce pressure upon nerves due to swelling/inflammation and increase circulation which is needed in order to heal. Your body needs proper circulation of blood flow in order to heal. You can give your body a little help by using epsom salt soaks, massage, physical therapy, rest, moist heat and even by using compression socks and or KT tape - all good measures regardless of whether or not you have CRPS.

Originally Posted by zookester (Post 1105653)

I think perhaps you misunderstood my mention of osteoporosis and pain flares. It was just an example. Anything that causes pain like arthritis, chrohns disease, CRPS, IBS etc., that have a base line of what would be considered tolerable or normal pain levels that suddenly increase with or without a trigger is considered a pain flare or even a symptom flare. The reason I used osteoporosis as an example in your case was simply because previously you mentioned being positive for osteopenia which can contribute to pain, more prone to bone fractures and if it continues or progresses into osteoporosis then yes pain is likely. In your shoes I wouldn't say it didn't play a role in your fracture(s) since having osteopenia at your age especially considering you do lift weights and eat healthy this particular diagnosis (osteopenia) should be further investigated. As I mentioned in a previous post to you it is highly unlikely that the osteopenia was caused by CRPS given your symptoms and reduced pain levels since injury. In your shoes I would seek out an internal medicine doctor who can do a complete workup of your blood, endocrine etc., that would explain osteopenia at your age & fitness level.

As far as ROM goes it is not uncommon to have reduced ROM for even up to 2 years after a fracture. I would think that for the toes this could be longer since the normal ROM is quite small and they really aren't doing big movements throughout the day. My most recent fracture of my ankle was just this past July and I've only gotten about 50% ROM back at this point also and pain is still there with certain movements but nothing like the pain I feel in my legs from CRPS. It is pain from stiffness/swelling and stretched tendons/ligaments. I know this to be true because the pain improves with resting and elevation and worsens with use. CRPS pain does not improve with rest, elevation or anything else for that matter.. it is there the minute you open your eyes until the minute I manage to fall asleep - at least this is the way it is for me.

As long as your pain is improving or stays in the low levels and the bone is healing I would continue to remain positive and be patient with your healing.

** I see in another post that you mentioned you do get increased pain at the same time everyday? Is this in the morning or night and what are you doing before this increase in pain?

Originally Posted by HarryDresden (Post 1105490)

Greetings,

I have posted my history in other threads so won't re-post it here, for this question i'll simply state that to date (6ish months in) I haven't had anything that resembles the burning/freezing pain described by others. One question that has been on my mind and for which I haven't found any information on is if its possible to have CRPS without "flare ups"? Or maybe it would help to understand when others first had them occur in relation to getting CRPS.

Thanks for any advice

Originally Posted by HarryDresden (Post 1105629)

Thanks Catra, this makes sense. If I consider a flare to be any increase in symptoms, then I get them daily around 7 and they leave around 9 and it comes in the form of a slight increase in warmth. I suppose I could just avoid this time of the day...