A bad situation can get even worse if a victim of a slip and fall accident develops chronic regional pain syndrome as a consequences of his injuries. It usually affects a person’s limb – his hand, arm, leg, or foot. This can cause the person to suffer chronic unbearable pain that can limit his day-to-day activities, and he could become depressed or anxious. The pain can seem out of proportion to the original injury, but it is real for the person experiencing it.
Causes of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
It is unclear why certain injuries causes chronic regional pain syndrome, although it is suspected that it is associated with damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. This disorder occurs after a forceful trauma such as a crushing injury, fracture, or amputation caused by a slip and fall, car, or workplace accident. Other traumas that trigger this condition include surgery, heart attacks, infections, and believe it or not, sprains and strains. There are two types of chronic regional pain syndrome:
Type 1.
This is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and the most common form of this disorder. It usually develops after an injury or illness that did not directly damage the nerves in the person’s affected limb.
Type 2.
This type of chronic regional pain syndrome can usually be linked to a specific nerve injury.
Symptoms of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
People can suffer varying symptoms of chronic regional pain syndrome, and symptoms can change with flare-ups of the condition. Possible signs a person is suffering with this condition include:
- Constant burning or throbbing pain – usually in an arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Uncomfortable sensitivity to cold or touch
- Swelling of the affected area
- Changes in the skin temperature, such as experiencing cold and then later becoming sweaty
- Changes in skin color, which can be white, bluish, or red
- Changes in skin texture, causing the skin to appear thin or shiny and feel tender
- Changes in nail and hair growth
- Swelling, stiffness, and damage – sometimes permanent – to affected joints
- Muscle spasms or weakness or loss of muscles
- Limited ability to move the injured body part
If you suffer with chronic regional pain syndrome, you could need expensive medical care for years and be unable to continue in your profession due to the chronic pain. However, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries from the business or person that caused your fall. Call us at 866-299-0558 today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team.