How it can feel
- Severe pain out of proportion to the original injury.
- Colour, temperature or sweating changes in a limb.
- Hypersensitivity to light touch.
- Movement fear because everything hurts.
Day to day
- Dressing, bedding and weather become tactical problems.
- Sleep and mood often take a hit.
- Overlap with functional dystonia or weakness can confuse care pathways — coordinated teams help.
Why this can be FND (simply)
CRPS is its own diagnosis. Functional neurological symptoms can co-occur. Accurate labelling matters so you are not bounced between services.
What can help
- Specialist pain / CRPS pathways where available.
- Gentle, guided movement rather than forced use.
- Support for sleep and mental load.
- Clear communication between pain and neurology teams.
This is information, not a treatment plan. Personal care decisions belong with you and your clinicians.
FAQs
Is CRPS a type of FND?
No. They can overlap in the same person. Each needs appropriate assessment.