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Key Takeaways / Summary:

• CRPS Type 1 develops after an illness or injury that did not directly damage a specific nerve, while CRPS Type 2 stems from a confirmed, specific nerve injury.
• Both types cause severe, chronic pain and physical symptoms in a limb, making daily job duties difficult or impossible.
• Securing workers compensation benefits for either type requires strong medical documentation demonstrating a direct connection to a workplace injury.

Managing a workplace injury becomes even more challenging when pain continues long after an initial injury should have healed. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic neurological condition that often affects a limb following trauma at work. 

Gross & Kenny, LLP was founded in order to concentrate solely on workers’ compensation matters. We understand that injured workers are often left out in the cold when it comes to securing compensation for their injuries and lost wages, and we work diligently to support injured employees across Philadelphia, the five surrounding counties, and New Jersey.

Understanding CRPS Type 1 vs. Type 2: Nerve Damage Differences

The main distinction when examining CRPS Type 1 vs CRPS Type 2 lies in whether a distinct nerve injury is present.

• CRPS Type 1, formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, develops after an injury, illness, or trauma that did not directly damage a peripheral nerve. The pain experienced is often out of proportion to the original physical incident, such as a mild sprain or minor fracture suffered on the job.
• CRPS Type 2, historically called Causalgia, occurs after a specific, identifiable nerve suffers direct damage. A deep laceration, crushed limb, or surgical complication during work injury treatment can trigger this form of the condition.

Causes, Symptoms, and Determining Which Type is Worse

Both forms of CRPS share similar symptoms, including severe burning or throbbing pain, swelling, skin color changes, extreme temperature sensitivity, and joint stiffness.

When asking which is worse, medical professionals generally agree that neither form is inherently worse than the other. Both conditions can cause intense pain and long-term functional impairment. The severity depends on individual factors rather than the specific type classification. Type 2 involves an identified nerve lesion, while Type 1 involves broader nerve dysfunction, but both can severely impair an injured employee’s daily living and capacity to perform job tasks.

How CRPS Affects Your Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Claim

Securing workers compensation in Pennsylvania for CRPS requires proving that the condition directly resulted from an employment injury. Because CRPS is complex and difficult to diagnose, insurance carriers frequently challenge these claims or attempt to delay payments for essential treatments.

A successful claim provides medical treatment coverage and lost wages compensation. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a qualified medical expert and maintaining thorough records are critical steps in protecting your rights.

Contact Gross & Kenny for Help With Your CRPS Workers’ Comp Claim

If you suffered a job site trauma that led to CRPS Type 1 or CRPS Type 2, do not navigate the legal system alone. Gross & Kenny, LLP is dedicated to serving injured employees throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Contact us today to learn how our team can help you secure the full benefits you deserve.

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