CRPS Network Australia

CRPS Network Australia is a leading Australian health promotion charity whose aim is support Australian CRPS research and to lessen the impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by improving the treatment, care and experiences of Australians diagnosed with CRPS and those close to them. Approximately 35,000 Australians live with CRPS and 18 new people per day contract this insidious disorder, which most often develops after fractures, surgery, strokes or other trauma. This disease causes constant and unrelenting burning pain, swelling, colour changes, body temperature dysfunction and many other debilitating symptoms, that sometimes drives people to take their own lives. As a result, CRPS is often called ‘the suicide disease.’ CRPS is so painful that many people cannot even tolerate being touched, hugged, having a shower, wearing clothes or even shoes and socks. It affects both adults and children of all ages. CRPS is a poorly understand disease which often takes several months or years to be diagnosed. There is no cure for CRPS, there are very few treatment options and those that exist are often inefficient. We aim to improve the education, and awareness of CRPS at all levels of society; the general community, social and disability providers, the government and healthcare sectors. CRPS can range from mild and self-limiting to a chronic, progressive disease. It is often associated with substantial disability, loss of quality of life and great personal and societal economic burden. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the disease not being recognised by healthcare providers. A diagnosis must be made within 3 - 6 months of the inciting event in order to have any chance of a good outcome. There is no cure for CRPS. Our vision is that all Australians with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome receive the very best specialist treatment, care and support, specific to their individual needs, and that CRPS is better recognised leading to faster diagnosis times and better outcomes.