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Rotator Cuff Syndrome & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, painful condition usually affecting arms and legs. It rarely affecs other parts of the body. Rotator cuff syndrome is when shoulder tendons are inflamed and painful. The condition is also known as rotator cuff tendonitis or impingement syndrome. CRPS and rotator cuff syndrome are occupational overuse syndromes (OOS). These syndromes cause muscle, tendon, joint, soft tissue and nerve pain. Rotator cuff syndrome falls under the OOS category of localized inflammations, while complex regional pain syndrome comes under the OOS category of pain syndromes, which can develop from a work-related injury.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of CRPS include muscle weakness, spasms and atrophy; skin sensitivity; intense pain, stiffness, damage and swelling of joints; and changes hair and nail growth. You may experience burning pain in your feet, hands, arms and legs, and begin losing your ability to move areas of the body affected by CRPS. Symptoms of rotator cuff syndrome include pain when you move your arm, shoulder pain at night, and pain or weakness when you use your arm overhead for such things as brushing your hair.

    Causes

    • CRPS is often caused by forceful trauma, such as a shrapnel blast or gunshot wound. The condition can also be caused by minor trauma such as fractures, sprained ankles, surgery, infections and heart attacks. Rotator cuff syndrome is the result of repetitive movement of the arm. This movement causes the rotator cuff and the shoulder blade to touch which results in swelling and inflammation. The swollen rotator cuff gets pinched, which causes more inflammation.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of CRPS includes X-rays to check for bone mineral loss, MRI to check tissue changes, a bone scan to detect increases in joint circulation and sympathetic nervous system tests to check skin temperature and blood flow. Diagnosis of rotator cuff syndrome includes an exam to check shoulder tenderness or weakness when it's raised or in different positions. Your may also have an X-ray and MRI to check for bone spurs, inflammation or a tear in the rotator cuff.

    Treatment

    • CRPS symptom treatment includes anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, and prescription anticonvulsants such as Neurontin, antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, and Celebrex. CRPS may also be treated with physical therapy, spinal cord or nerve stimulation, and medicine to block pain fibers. Rotator cuff treatment includes shoulder rest, avoiding pain causing activities, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles. For pain treatment there are anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and steroid injections. If the rotator cuff is completely torn surgery may be needed.

    Complications

    • Complications of untreated CRPS can include muscles wasting from lack of use and muscles contracting into a fixed position. Other complications include symptom migration where pain moves from its original location to another part of the body such as going from the hand to the shoulder. Complications of rotator cuff syndrome include treatment failing to improve your condition, a complete tearing of your rotator cuff and bursitis inflamed between tendons and bones or skin.

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