Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The medical condition called “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome” (CRPS) is more straight-forward than its name implies: It is an unyielding pain. It is also known as “Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy” (RSD). The condition affects some 1.2 million Americans. How people develop CRPS / RSD is not well understood. But it often occurs after an injury, such as a workplace injury.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome causes a progressive and often debilitating pain. Victims describe it as burning or sensitivity to touch. It can be accompanied by swelling and abnormal sweating. Eventually, it leads to weakened bones, discoloration of the skin, atrophy and loss of the use of affected limbs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from work-related Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, you may have a right to compensation for you medical costs and loss of work.

For a free case evaluation of your workers’ compensation claim based on CRPS or RSD, please complete our online form or call Kantrovitz & Associates, P.C., toll free at 800-367-0871 to speak with an experienced Massachusetts Complex Regional Pain Syndrome lawyer. We have more than 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of individuals injured in the course of their employment.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the workplace injury lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates, P.C., help injured workers across Massachusetts, including but not limited to Boston, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth and Merrimack River. We also represent Rhode Island and New Hampshire residents whose injuries occurred in Massachusetts or who were hired in Massachusetts but who were injured out of state.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder. Doctors do not fully understand it. The most devastating symptom is a severe burning pain or an electrical sensation. Victims described it as “shooting pain.” It can spread to various parts of the body. Victims of CRPS or RSD also report tenderness, swelling of an afflicted extremity, sweating, flushing, muscle spasms and discolored skin.

A curious symptom of CRPS / RSD is development of “shiny skin.” This is a change in skin temperature caused by a decreased blood flow. Eventually, because of the restricted blood flow and acute pain, a CRPS / RSD victim’s muscles begin to contract and atrophy. The bone in the affected limb weakens. Movement becomes increasingly difficult. A loss of function usually follows.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome generally is classified as Types I and II. The type depends on the presence or absence of an identified cause. It goes by several names, including Sudeck’s atrophy, reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND) and algoneurodystrophy. Causalgia indicates Type 2.

How CRPS / RSD develops is unknown. It is thought to be the result of an abnormal excitement or irritation of the nervous system, such as an injury or surgery. Its origin has also been attributed to:

• Nerve irritation by entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Shoulder problems.
• Heart disease.
• Degenerative arthritis of the neck.
• Stroke or other brain disease.

Injuries that lead to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy often happen in the workplace. This is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. CRPS / RSD is also known as “repetitive stress injury.” Repeated stress or strain injuries are also common to shoulder problems that arise on the job.

Any physically demanding job can lead to CRPS / RSD. These occupations would include construction and manufacturing. They could also include jobs such as custodial work. All of these jobs involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy loads or equipment.

Keep in mind that work-related Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be possibly caused by performing the same physical tasks over and over again or by a single accident that triggers the condition. In either situation, a worker may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy may leave a person unable to work for extended period or render them completely unable to return to the workforce. Our Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys can examine your case and help you to determine whether you are eligible for temporary total disability, partial disability or permanent and total disability benefits as a result of your work-related CRPS / RSD. Several factors will go into determining the benefits you may receive, including your average weekly wage and the degree of your incapacity.

If treated within the first few months of the symptoms appearing, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy can go into remission. Still, contracting CRPS / RSD often creates a difficult life marked by pain, suffering and ongoing medical procedures and therapy. It also means that you will be hit with the associated expenses.

Under Massachusetts law, all employees have a legal right to workers’ compensation for work-related injuries and diseases, which would include CRPS / RSD. This would include benefits that would pay for medical treatment of your condition. At Kantrovitz & Associates, P.C., our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you to obtain these needed funds.

While many Massachusetts lawyers practice in a number of different areas of the law, our workplace injury lawyers focus exclusively in the area of workers’ compensation. We also believe in a hands-on approach, providing individual attention to each and every client. We do not pass off cases to other Massachusetts law firms or to junior associates. A client will have the same attorney handling his or her claim from start to conclusion.

Our workplace accident attorneys believe strongly that all clients should be well educated with respect to the laws and should be active participants in all facets of their workers’ compensation claim. We are ready to answer workplace CRPS / RSD questions from workers across Massachusetts, including but not limited to Boston, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth or Merrimack River. We also represent Rhode Island and New Hampshire residents whose injuries occurred in Massachusetts or who were hired in Massachusetts but who were injured out of state.

You need not to face the difficulties of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy alone. The Massachusetts Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Lawyers of Kantrovitz & Associates can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim. This claim can ensure that you are properly compensated for lost wages and money spent on medical bills and therapy.

Kantrovitz & Associates represents injured and ill workers throughout Massachusetts. This includes, but is not limited to,Boston, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth and Merrimack River. We also represent Rhode Island and New Hampshire residents whose injuries occurred in Massachusetts or who were hired in Massachusetts but who were injured out of state.

For a free evaluation of your workers’ compensation claim based on CRPS / RSD, please complete our online form or call Kantrovitz & Associates, P.C., toll free at 800-367-0871 to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.