Many times it is the result of a crushing injury or fracture. In almost all cases, it is unexpected and can sometimes go undiagnosed for months or years. When an individual begins to experience the unusual symptoms of CRPS they are sometimes overlooked. It is sometimes assumed the patient is highly emotional or somewhat hysterical. Nagging, constant pain causes frustration, concern turns into worry, and worry turns into fear.
Depression becomes inevitable as emotional exhaustion from constant pain sets in.
The person loses use of the injured limb and becomes crippled. As the limb is not used, it shrivels up and loses muscle tone. Without help the patient feels like a victim. Many times no one can give them answers or find a solution to their pain and loss of function. However, as can be expected of dedicated members of the medical community, this syndrome is being recognized at an early stage and more and more physicians are diagnosing it or bringing it to the attention of those who can.