Much of the difficulty clinicians have with this syndrome is the fact that pain may be far worse than what would be expected based on physical findings. Cardinal signs include pain, edema, stiffness, and discoloration. Hyperpathia refers to pain that persists after the stimulus has been removed. Allodynia refers to pain with light touch. Movement frequently aggravates pain.
Patients describe exacerbations with cold.
Many feel worse when a low-pressure weather front is arriving. Airplane ascent and descent can be painful. Edema is usually one of the earliest findings. Stiffness may occur. Discoloration may vary from intensely erythematous to cyanotic, pale, purple, or gray.