I’ve been doing some reading about CRPS. I’ve just been diagnosed with this problem. I see there are two kinds. How can I tell which kind I have?

The signs and symptoms of CRPS are the same with both Type I and Type II. The only real difference is that with Type II (also known as causalgia), there is a known nerve lesion or nerve damage. Type I has no identifiable nerve trauma. Type I has been called reflex sympathetic dystrophy until this distinction was made several years ago.

You may be able to figure out for yourself which type you have based on your history. If not, ask your doctor to explain which type you have and why. Type I is most common after some type of soft tissue trauma. Type I is also possible after a period of immobilization such as after an accident, injury, or stroke. Something as simple as having blood drawn or a bug bite can also result in Type I CRPS.

Type II occurs when the nerve has been cut, damaged, or injured in some way. This could happen as a result of an accident or surgery.