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CRPS and mobility aids
I suspect I’ve got CRPS in my ankle from an injury five years ago. I feel it in my knee sometimes too. It’s constant, but worse when I walk. Would a mobility aid be worth a try, specifically partial weight bearing on forearm crutches? I’ve tried a cane, but I end up overcompensating on my good leg.
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You could try a stand-up walker, that may help.
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1 ReactionI have CRPS as well. I don't believe that using any kind of mobility aid will actually reduce your CRPS pain ...in my experience, my CRPS episodes was initially triggered by surgeries (the most recent by an injury). Some physical therapy repetitive actions was significant in reducing then eliminating the active episode. Some people have some success with various medicines.. trial and error. My current attack is in my leg and thus far the worst of it was reduced ....but still hanging on. I have e a scooter due to very arthritic knees. I will not have replacement surgery because my pain becomes so extreme and cannot be managed. In no way does the mobility aid help my crps except perhaps by allowing me to avoid surgery.
You might want to consider looking into a nerve block if it's in your legs. Mine mirrored over from my left leg into my right leg. I have gotten one nerve block and I'm heading in for a second one on Wednesday. I'm amazed at with the first one did. It removed most of the pain from my right leg and about 25% of it from my left. My pain management doctor feels that we may be able to get all of the pain out of me with the second nerve block. My next hurdle is my left foot is now twisting towards my right leg. I’m in the process of taking this challenge on.
@sherlockholmes221b Welcome to Mayo Connect. It is tempting to dive into Dr Google when we are in pain - especially with the cost of medical care these days and the waiting times to be seen. But here are a few questions that might help you decide "what's next."
Have you talked to a doctor about the possibility of CRPS, or whether something mechanical and correctable is still existing? Have they checked to see whether your knee itself is causing a problem or if it is referred pain?
Have you seen a rehabilitation Physical Therapist to analyze your gait and posture? After I had 5 hip replacement/revision surgeries, I had a lot of back pain and I still was limping. A rehab PT evaluated my gait, figured out I was not standing straight, turning one foot in, my shoes were worn in bad patterns - I was a mess. After a few months of stretching, strengthening and coaching I was walking straight and tall and the back pain subsided. 13 years later, I am still going strong (but my knees and other body parts are now wearing out.) 🫤
Do you think individualized therapy might be an option for you?