About CRPS/RSD Awareness Month
Since 2014, the month of November has been recognised as Colour the World Orange™ to raise awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). CRPS/RSD is a painful and debilitating post-traumatic primary pain disorder. Clinical presentations can vary greatly between patients, and diagnosis is made using the Budapest criteria.
Raising awareness of CRPS/RSD is essential to support early diagnosis, access to appropriate treatment, public understanding, and support for individuals living with this condition. Greater awareness can improve quality of life for those affected and promote research into more effective therapies.
EFIC provides a range of resources to assist in the assessment and management of CRPS:
- CRPS Task Force: Chaired by Professor Andreas Goebel, the CRPS Task Force develops standards for diagnosis and management and supports healthcare professionals through tools such as the CRPS Assist web application. The Task Force continues to drive improvements in patient care, clinical practice, and research for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome across Europe.
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EFIC Academy Education Platform: Offers extensive content on CRPS assessment and management for physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, and psychologists. Learners can follow self-directed courses or structured learning tracks. Access is limited to Academy members.
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CRPS Assist: A web-based application for physiotherapists, created to support diagnosis and treatment of CRPS patients.
Research Publications:
Johnson S, Cowell F, Gillespie S, Goebel A. Complex regional pain syndrome what is the outcome?‐a systematic review of the course and impact of CRPS at 12 months from symptom onset and beyond. European Journal of Pain. 2022 Jul;26(6):1203-20.
Goebel A, Barker C, Birklein F, Brunner F, Casale R, Eccleston C, Eisenberg E, McCabe CS, Moseley GL, Perez RS, Perrot S. Standards for the diagnosis and management of complex regional pain syndrome: Results of a European Pain Federation task force. European Journal of Pain. 2019 Apr;23(4):641-51.
Grieve S, Llewellyn A, Jones L, Manns S, Glanville V, McCabe CS. Complex regional pain syndrome: an international survey of clinical practice. European Journal of Pain. 2019 Nov;23(10):1890-903.
By engaging with these resources and promoting awareness during CRPS/RSD Awareness Month, EFIC encourages healthcare professionals, researchers, and the wider public to contribute to improving care and understanding for individuals living with this complex pain condition.
