Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialists Serving Dripping Springs, TX

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sometimes called RSD, is a chronic pain condition that can be hard to predict and deeply disruptive to everyday life. For patients in Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country communities, Greater Austin Pain Center has a clinic nearby and a team of pain specialists experienced in evaluating and managing CRPS with a multidisciplinary approach.

Schedule An Appointment

Currently accepting new patients

Address

170 Benney Ln Suite 203
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Get Directions

Office hours

Mon: 8AM – 5PM
Tues: 8AM – 5PM
Wed: Closed
Thur: Closed
Fri: Closed
Weekends: Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects one of the limbs, most often the arms or legs, following injury, surgery, or other trauma to the extremity. The pain associated with CRPS is often disproportionate to the severity of the original injury, and it can persist long after tissue healing would normally be expected.

CRPS is sometimes referred to by its older name, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a term still commonly used by many patients and clinicians. The condition is considered a disorder of the nervous system in which pain signals become amplified or dysregulated, affecting how the brain and body process sensory information from the affected limb. While CRPS is relatively rare compared to other chronic pain conditions, it can significantly affect the individuals who experience it.

CRPS can occur in both acute and chronic form. In some cases, the condition may improve with early treatment; in others, it can develop into a longer-term pain syndrome requiring ongoing management.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

How CRPS Symptoms Affect the Body

Complex regional pain syndrome can affect multiple systems in the body beyond the site of the original injury. The condition is typically characterized by a combination of pain, sensory changes, and visible physical changes in the affected limb. People who experience CRPS often describe symptoms that vary over time and across different stages of the condition.

Common Symptoms of CRPS

Constant burning or aching pain in the affected limb
Swelling of the extremity
Sensitivity to light touch, also described as allodynia
Changes in skin color, ranging from pale to red or bluish
Changes in skin temperature, with the affected area feeling noticeably warmer or cooler than surrounding areas
Altered hair or nail growth in the limb
Decreased range of motion and limited mobility
Changes in bone density, including osteoporosis in severe cases

CRPS symptoms tend to evolve over time and may differ across stages of the condition. In the acute stage, swelling, changes in skin color, and burning pain are often the most prominent signs. As the condition progresses into later stages, patients may experience decreased range of motion, muscle changes, and in severe cases the pain can spread to other areas of the body, including the opposite arm or leg.

The sensory dysfunction associated with CRPS can affect everyday tasks, sleep, and overall quality of life. Depression and other psychological effects are also recognized as part of how chronic pain conditions like CRPS can affect individuals over time.

How CRPS Symptoms Affect the Body

Common Symptoms of CRPS

Constant burning or aching pain in the affected limb
Swelling of the extremity
Sensitivity to light touch, also described as allodynia
Changes in skin color, ranging from pale to red or bluish
Changes in skin temperature, with the affected area feeling noticeably warmer or cooler than surrounding areas
Altered hair or nail growth in the limb
Decreased range of motion and limited mobility
Changes in bone density, including osteoporosis in severe cases

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

Can CRPS Be Treated? Care Options at Greater Austin Pain Center

Yes, complex regional pain syndrome can be treated. Early treatment is strongly recommended, as addressing CRPS in its acute stages may help slow the progression of the condition and improve outcomes for patients over time.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, the team takes a multidisciplinary approach to managing complex regional pain syndrome. Because CRPS is a condition that can affect multiple body systems and aspects of daily life, care typically involves a combination of interventional treatments alongside other supportive strategies. Your care team may also recommend physical therapy and medications as part of a broader plan, coordinated alongside the interventional options GAPC provides directly. If you have questions about which options may be appropriate for your situation, talk to a pain specialist at our Dripping Springs office.

Interventional treatment options that may be appropriate for CRPS include:

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, a form of neuromodulation in which a small device delivers mild electrical impulses near a specific nerve to help modulate pain signals
Spinal Cord Stimulators, a well-established approach for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in which a device delivers targeted stimulation to the spinal cord to help reduce pain
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation, a more targeted form of nerve stimulation that focuses on the dorsal root ganglion, a cluster of sensory nerve cells along the spinal cord, and is often used for CRPS affecting specific areas of a limb
Ketamine Infusion Therapy, which may help modulate the abnormal pain signals associated with CRPS and is considered for patients with severe or refractory symptoms
Sympathetic Ganglion Blocks, nerve blocks targeting the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role in the pain and blood flow changes seen in CRPS

Spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation each work by delivering carefully controlled electrical signals to specific points in the nervous system, with the goal of interrupting or reducing the abnormal pain signals that drive CRPS. Your pain specialist will discuss which options may be most appropriate based on your specific CRPS type, symptoms, stage of the condition, and overall health. Learn more about these options by reaching out to our office or scheduling a consultation today.

Getting Care for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome at Greater Austin Pain Center

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

Patients in Dripping Springs can schedule an appointment at the GAPC clinic on Benney Lane, just a short drive from communities throughout the western Hill Country. You can reach the office online or by calling (512) 298-1645. GAPC is currently accepting new patients and works with a broad range of insurance plans.

Step 2: Evaluation and Diagnosis

During your initial consultation, a pain specialist will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation that takes into account your medical history, the nature and timeline of your injury or trauma, and the full range of your current symptoms. CRPS diagnosed accurately and early gives patients more treatment options, so the evaluation is designed to be comprehensive. The diagnostic process for complex regional pain syndrome often follows established clinical criteria, including the Budapest criteria, to help confirm the diagnosis and identify the type. Imaging such as X-rays may also be used to help rule out other causes and gather additional information about the affected area.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Because complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affects each patient differently across its various stages, there is no single universal protocol. Your care team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your CRPS type, severity, affected limb, and overall health history. The plan may include one or more interventional treatments, along with referrals to physical therapy or other coordinated care as appropriate, to help manage your symptoms and work toward the best possible outcomes.

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

CRPS is a condition that may require ongoing management, particularly in cases where it becomes chronic. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment, adjust your care plan as your symptoms evolve, and continue to work with you toward the best possible quality of life. Follow-up appointments help ensure that treatments remain effective and that any changes in symptoms or new signs of progression are addressed promptly.

Testimonials

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also sometimes called RSD or reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a chronic pain condition that typically develops in an arm or leg following injury, surgery, or other trauma to a limb. It is characterized by pain that is often more severe than would be expected from the original injury, along with sensory, skin, and movement changes in the affected extremity. CRPS is considered a disorder involving abnormal processing of pain signals in the nervous system.

What are the most common symptoms of CRPS?

Common symptoms of CRPS include constant burning or aching pain in the affected limb, swelling, allodynia (sensitivity to light touch), and changes in skin color or temperature. In later stages, patients may experience decreased range of motion, changes in hair or nail growth, bone changes such as osteoporosis, and in severe cases the pain may spread to other areas of the body. Other symptoms such as depression and sleep disruption can also accompany the condition over time.

What are CRPS type 1 and type 2?

CRPS type 1 is typically triggered by an injury such as a fracture, sprain, crush injury, or surgery to a limb, and occurs without identifiable damage to a specific named nerve. CRPS type 2 involves confirmed damage to a specific nerve and is commonly referred to as causalgia. Both types fall under the broader categories of complex regional pain syndrome and share similar symptoms, but the distinction affects how the condition is classified and sometimes how it is approached clinically.

How is CRPS diagnosed?

CRPS diagnosed in a clinical setting typically involves a detailed review of the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and assessment of symptoms against established diagnostic criteria. The Budapest criteria are a widely used framework for CRPS diagnosis, requiring specific combinations of symptoms and clinical findings. There is no single definitive test for CRPS, so accurate diagnosis depends on a careful, thorough evaluation by an experienced pain specialist. X-rays and other imaging may be used to gather additional information and rule out other causes.

Is complex regional pain syndrome preventable?

Not necessarily. Why certain individuals develop CRPS after a limb injury such as a fracture or sprain while others do not is still poorly understood. Age, sex, and the nature of the original injury may all play some role, but because the condition does not follow a predictable pattern, early evaluation and prompt treatment when symptoms arise are considered the most important steps a patient can take.

What interventional treatments may help with CRPS?

Several interventional treatments may help manage complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), depending on the patient's specific condition. These include peripheral nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, ketamine infusion therapy, and sympathetic ganglion blocks. If you have questions about which of these options may be appropriate for your case, talk to a pain specialist at Greater Austin Pain Center. They can help determine a plan based on your CRPS type, symptom severity, and overall health history.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Reach Out to Our Dripping Springs-Area Pain Specialists Today

If you are experiencing symptoms that may be consistent with complex regional pain syndrome, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. Greater Austin Pain Center's Dripping Springs clinic is ready to help patients throughout the Hill Country and western Austin area, and you can also be seen at our locations in Austin, Kyle, or San Marcos. Call us at (512) 298-1645 or schedule online to request an appointment with one of our pain specialists.

Schedule an Appointment

Relieve Your Pain Today!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

A modern medical office waiting room with gray chairs, small tables with plants and brochures, wood-style flooring, and a reception desk. The wall displays the sign "Greater Austin Pain Center."

(512) 298-1645

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialists Serving Dripping Springs, TX

Get In Touch

(512) 298-1645

Patient Tools

Locations

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

How CRPS Symptoms Affect the Body

Common Symptoms of CRPS

How CRPS Symptoms Affect the Body

Common Symptoms of CRPS

Can CRPS Be Treated? Care Options at Greater Austin Pain Center

Getting Care for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome at Greater Austin Pain Center

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

Step 2: Evaluation and Diagnosis

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

What are the most common symptoms of CRPS?

What are CRPS type 1 and type 2?

How is CRPS diagnosed?

Is complex regional pain syndrome preventable?

What interventional treatments may help with CRPS?

Reach Out to Our Dripping Springs-Area Pain Specialists Today

Schedule an Appointment

Relieve Your Pain Today!

- Proud Members Of -

Austin

Kyle

Dripping Springs

San Marcos

Plum Creek Surgery Center