What Is CRPS/RSD?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition that most often affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot. It can develop after an injury, surgery, trauma, or other medical event.

CRPS was previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which is why many people still search for CRPS/RSD awareness, RSD pain, or invisible pain conditions.

What makes CRPS/RSD especially difficult is that the pain may feel far greater than what others expect from the original injury or event. People living with CRPS may experience severe sensitivity, burning pain, swelling, color changes, temperature changes, movement limitation, and emotional exhaustion.

Why CRPS/RSD Awareness Matters

Awareness is essential because many people with CRPS/RSD feel isolated, dismissed, or misunderstood.

Raising awareness helps communities recognize that invisible pain can still be life-changing. It also helps families, caregivers, employers, healthcare systems, and donors better understand the need for compassion, access, and support.

November Is CRPS/RSD Awareness Month

November is widely recognized as CRPS/RSD Awareness Month, a time to educate others, support people living with the condition, and advocate for better understanding of chronic and invisible pain.

Awareness campaigns such as CRPS Orange Day, CRPS Awareness, and invisible pain advocacy help bring attention to people who may otherwise suffer in silence.

But CRPS/RSD awareness should not be limited to one month. People living with chronic pain need understanding, access, and support year-round.

The Human Impact of Invisible Pain

CRPS/RSD can affect every part of life.

For some, pain limits the ability to work. For others, it affects sleep, mobility, relationships, education, caregiving, and mental resilience.

• Reduced mobility and independence
• Difficulty working or returning to work
• Interrupted school or daily routines
• Strain on caregiving and household responsibilities
• Emotional isolation and misunderstanding
• Ongoing need for pain management support

How Pain Relief International Supports People Living With Pain

Pain Relief International exists to expand access to durable, reusable, drug-free pain relief for people and communities affected by pain.

Our mission is especially important for underserved populations where access to traditional pain management may be limited by cost, infrastructure, geography, or supply continuity.

While CRPS/RSD often requires medical evaluation and individualized care, many people also need practical, accessible support for daily function and quality of life.

How You Can Make a Difference

You can help raise CRPS/RSD awareness and support broader access to pain relief in several meaningful ways.

• Share information about CRPS/RSD and invisible pain
• Listen with compassion when someone describes pain you cannot see
• Support organizations working to expand access to pain relief
• Help educate families, communities, and decision-makers
• Donate to programs that support durable pain relief access
• Use awareness hashtags such as #CRPSOrangeDay, #CRPSawareness, #CRPSisReal, and #InvisibleStrength

Every share, every conversation, every donation, and every act of compassion helps make invisible pain more visible.

A Heartfelt Request

To all supporters, old and new, we ask you to consider helping Pain Relief International expand access to durable, reusable, drug-free pain relief.

Your support can help people living with pain regain comfort, mobility, dignity, and participation.

Beyond donations, simply talking about CRPS/RSD, educating others, and showing compassion to those affected can create ripples of change.