Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and painful condition that usually affects legs and arms. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition in which blood flow to limbs is reduced. Both conditions share pain and affect muscles, but have no other similarities.
CRPS Symptoms
CRPS symptoms include pain, muscle and joint stiffness, swelling, limited movement, skin that is dry and thin and may change color, and severe burning that gets worse when you are touched.
PAD Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include sores on legs, feet and toes that won't heal, cramps in your hips and legs, one leg or foot being colder than the other and leg numbness and weakness.
CRPS Diagnosis
CRPS is diagnosed through an exam, X-rays, bone scans, nerve conduction studies and thermography tests to determine blood flow.
PAD Diagnosis
Peripheral artery disease is diagnosed through blood tests, ultrasound and angiograph to evaluate blood flow, and ankle-brachial index to compare the blood pressure in your ankle and arm.
CRPS Treatment
CRPS treatment includes steroids, medicines for pain, blood pressure and bone loss, injections to numb nerves, physical therapy and surgery to cut nerves.
PAD Treatment
PAD treatment includes medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, control blood sugar, prevent blood clots and increase blood flow and surgery to open arteries.
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