A broken bone or fracture can be both painful and very inconvenient. You may not be able to work in your usual job for months while you recover. Sometimes, you might even need surgery.
Most people will fully recover function after a fracture and will have fewer symptoms as the bone begins to heal. After the bone knits and they undergo physical therapy to regain their lost strength, they can be back to normal.
For other people, they may notice worsening, persistent pain that bothers them even after the bone has supposedly healed. That ongoing pain is a warning sign of a lifelong and debilitating medical condition.
Bodily trauma can sometimes cause a serious medical issue
There is no clear explanation for why some people who break bones or endure other physical traumas develop complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and others don’t. The severity or location of the injury rarely dictates the likelihood of CRPS developing. It is only when someone notices persistent or new pain during their recovery period that a doctor may start to consider their risk for CRPS.
Symptoms for this condition include localized pain and a deep tingling or burning sensation. Changes to the nearby skin, including cooler skin temperature, changes in texture or changes to the growth of hair and nails are common. Loss of strength and range of motion are common symptoms as well.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CRPS. In fact, it often gets worse as time goes on after the initial injury. You may require more medical support and may lose your source of income if the pain affects your ability to work or live on your own. Identifying your risk level for different catastrophic injuries can help you better handle insurance claims after you get hurt.