My sister told me that she has CRPS Type 1, but I’ve heard that there is another type. What are the symptoms and what is the difference?

There are two types of CRPS, complex regional pain syndrome. Type I is most often triggered after someone has broken or sprained a bone or joint. The tissue injury seems to bring it on. Type II has injured a nerve, rather than body tissue.

The symptoms can include a searing, burning pain in or along the part of the body that was injured, stiff joints, skin that is sensitive to touch, changes in skin color and/or texture, hair and nail changes, and perhaps difficulty moving the part of the body that was injured. This is usually referred to as Stage 1 and can last up to three months.

As the symptoms intensify or get worse, the CRPS can develop into Stage 2, which can last from three to six months. Stage 3, which can follow, is severe.