CRPS Treatment in Littleton, CO

Physician-Led CRPS Care Serving Littleton and South Denver

At Vitalitas, we understand how disruptive complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can become when pain, sensitivity, swelling, or limited movement interfere with everyday life. At our Littleton clinic at 26 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120, we take time to review your diagnosis, pain history, medications, previous treatment, symptoms, function, and goals before determining whether IV ketamine therapy may be appropriate for your care.

When CRPS Pain Becomes Difficult to Manage

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neurological pain condition that most often affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot. CRPS may develop after an injury or surgery and can involve pain that may be more severe than expected after an injury.

CRPS symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Persistent burning, stinging, or severe pain

• Increased sensitivity to touch or other normally nonpainful sensations

• Swelling in the affected area

• Changes in skin temperature or color

• Stiffness or difficulty moving the affected limb

• Pain flares that interfere with sleep, mobility, or everyday activities

CRPS type I was previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD. When symptoms remain difficult to control despite previous pain treatment, an individualized evaluation can help determine whether another approach may be appropriate.

IV Ketamine Therapy for CRPS

At Vitalitas, we provide physician-led IV ketamine therapy for selected patients with CRPS and other complex chronic pain conditions.

Ketamine is FDA-approved as a general anesthetic. Its use for CRPS and other chronic pain conditions is off-label, meaning ketamine has not been FDA-approved specifically to treat CRPS. The FDA provides additional context on the current use of ketamine in emerging areas of therapeutic interest.

CRPS can involve changes in how the nervous system processes pain and sensitivity. Ketamine affects glutamate signaling and blocks NMDA receptors involved in pain processing, which is one reason researchers have studied ketamine infusions for CRPS.

A systematic review of clinical studies involving ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant CRPS found decreases in pain scores in most of the included studies. The authors also emphasized the need for larger randomized, placebo-controlled trials to better establish effectiveness.

We approach ketamine accordingly: as an option that may be appropriate for some patients with persistent CRPS after careful evaluation, not as a guaranteed source of pain relief.

Learn more about our broader approach to ketamine therapy for CRPS.

Careful Screening and Physician-Led Treatment

Safety and clinical fit are central to how we provide ketamine therapy for CRPS. Before recommending treatment, we consider your diagnosis, pain history, previous treatments, medications, overall medical history, symptom severity, mobility and functional limitations, goals, and whether outpatient ketamine care is appropriate.

If treatment moves forward, our approach includes:

• Individualized planning based on your CRPS symptoms, history, previous care, and clinical needs

• Physician oversight with a physician anesthesiologist present during each infusion

• Clinical monitoring of heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen level

• Follow-up to review pain, sensitivity, flare patterns, function, and overall response

• Care coordination with your existing pain specialist, primary care clinician, or other provider when appropriate

Not everyone with CRPS will be a candidate for ketamine. We believe careful screening, clear recommendations, and realistic expectations are essential parts of responsible chronic pain care.