Do you struggle with chronic pain in a particular area? Patients with complex regional pain syndrome often experience intense pain, numbness, and tingling in an arm or leg.
There is still much that is relatively unknown about CRPS in the medical field, which means there are few truly effective treatment options. One promising treatment is ketamine infusion therapy.
Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic provides ketamine infusion therapy for patients with complex regional pain syndrome. We work with patients throughout Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding cities. To learn more about CRPS and ketamine infusion therapy, continue reading this complete guide.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) refers to chronic pain that can affect the limbs after a heart attack, stroke, or dysfunction in the nervous system. CRPS can also result from injuries, including sprains, fractures, cuts, or burns.
In some cases, CRPS can develop after a surgical procedure. But for many patients, the exact cause of their complex regional pain syndrome is unknown.
Symptoms of CRPS
The primary symptom of CRPS is intense pain in the affected region. On top of chronic pain, CRPS patients experience a wide range of other symptoms that can impact the affected arm or leg. These may include the following:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Heat or cold sensitivity
- Excessive sweating
- Cold skin
- Changes to the hair or nails
- Joint stiffness
- Tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Limited mobility
Over time, complex regional pain syndrome can lead to more severe complications, including muscle atrophy, tissue atrophy, or osteoporosis. This is why receiving effective treatment for CRPS early on is important.
Treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome is classified as a rare disorder, with fewer than 200,000 cases per year. Since CRPS is rare, it can make finding proper treatment difficult.
Many patients are initially treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but see little improvement in their condition. Other treatments include physical therapy, dietary changes, and nerve-blocking medications.
Research has shown that a more effective treatment method for CRPS may be ketamine infusions. Ketamine is a synthetic compound that is most often used as an anesthetic and analgesic drug. When administered through infusion therapy, ketamine for CRPS has shown promising results.
How Does Ketamine for CRPS Resolve Symptoms?
Ketamine can provide relief for patients with complex regional pain syndrome in a number of ways. The first is through working directly with the nerves in the affected area.
When used in CRPS patients, ketamine can reset and restore nerve connections. This is because ketamine is part of the NMDA receptor-blocking pattern.
Ketamine increases glutamate levels between neuronal synapses, forming healthy pathways and strengthening weakened ones. This can help resolve some of the most common CRPS symptoms, including chronic pain, burning, and tingling.
Another way that ketamine helps CRPS patients is by regulating emotions. Many of the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome are exacerbated by stress and other negative emotions. Ketamine infusions can help reduce negative emotions and stressful reactions. This can decrease the severity of CRPS symptoms for many patients.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Like?
Ketamine for CRPS is provided in the form of infusion therapy. During an infusion session, low-dose ketamine is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV.
This intravenous treatment is performed in a hospital or clinic and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Patients can resume normal activities after the session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine for CRPS
Treating complex regional pain syndrome with ketamine is a new concept for many patients. It is not uncommon to have more questions about what the process involves. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about ketamine for CRPS.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
One of the best things about ketamine infusion therapy is that it is not uncomfortable. In fact, the entire purpose of your ketamine treatment is to make you feel less pain and discomfort. Most patients feel more relaxed and free of their debilitating CRPS symptoms within moments of their treatment being administered.
Will I Need a Consultation Before Receiving Ketamine Therapy?
Patients must have a consultation appointment with one of our medical providers before starting ketamine infusion therapy. Your consultation will consist of a thorough review of your medical history as well as a complete physical examination.
You will need to provide all of your medical records, along with a list of any medications you are currently taking. You should also bring a list of the symptoms you are experiencing to help us determine whether ketamine therapy is the best course of treatment to meet your needs.
When Will I Experience Results from My Ketamine Infusions?
Most patients feel a significant difference after just one ketamine infusion session. When administered intravenously, the ketamine takes effect almost immediately. This can reduce pain within moments of your session beginning.
The long-term benefits of ketamine treatment will take longer to see. Regular ketamine infusions will help restore and reset the affected nerves. The number of necessary sessions can vary from patient to patient, but most patients receive weekly infusions for several months to see optimal results.
Ketamine for CRPS at Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic
Are you suffering from complex regional pain syndrome? Finding treatment for CRPS can be difficult, but Ahwatukee Ketamine Clinic is here to help.
We provide ketamine infusion therapy for patients with complex regional pain syndrome. Based in Phoenix, AZ, we work with patients throughout the region. To schedule a consultation for ketamine therapy, contact our staff today to book an initial appointment.
