What you may feel
- Persistent limb pain that seems disproportionate to the initial injury.
- Light touch or small movements may cause marked pain.
- Skin colour or temperature may differ from the other limb.
- Swelling, altered sweating and movement stiffness may occur.
- Skin or nail changes may develop, with difficulty using the limb.
How it is assessed
Diagnosis relies on a combination of findings and exclusion of other causes, including infection and vascular problems.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Early assessment and individual rehabilitation matter. Care may combine gradual movement, pain management and desensitisation.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness, abrupt loss of sensation or new bladder or bowel problems need immediate assessment.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.