What is the hallmark symptom in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

The hallmark symptom of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is indeed severe burning or throbbing pain that is often associated with allodynia. Allodynia refers to a condition where normally non-painful stimuli are experienced as painful, which is a key feature of CRPS. Patients frequently describe their pain as intense and disproportionate to the initial injury or onset of symptoms, often experiencing significant discomfort even from light touch or temperature changes.

This characteristic pain reflects the underlying neurophysiological changes that occur in CRPS, where there is increased sensitivity and altered processing of sensory information. The combination of severe pain and allodynia distinguishes CRPS from other pain conditions and is critical for diagnosis. Understanding this symptom helps in early recognition and management of the syndrome, which can lead to better outcomes for affected individuals.