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Month: January 2018

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome- What To Do About It

Dr. David Brady details what complex regional pain syndrome is and what can be done about it in this blog By Dr. David Brady

This blog was initially titled Complex Regional Pain Syndrome- What Is It And What To Do About It. It was featured on Fibrofix. To learn more about Dr. Brady, you can click here. Here, Dr. Brady writes about what Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is and how to approach it.

Chronic pain affects more individuals than diabetes, cancer, and heart disease combined and yet its origins can be so elusive that an accurate diagnosis of a chronic pain syndrome can be difficult. Determining precisely what you are experiencing and identifying the cause of those specific symptoms is undoubtedly important to unweave the complexity of chronic pain syndromes and find the treatment approach that best addresses your specific condition.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

One less common, but severe, chronic pain syndrome that requires early attention is known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It was formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), but as research progressed, RSD seemed to only represent a subset of a larger syndrome. This discovery led to the introduction of two new chronic pain syndromes: complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1), formerly known as RSD, and complex regional pain syndrome type 2 (CRPS 2), formerly known as causalgia.1

CRPS Defined

Like most chronic pain syndromes, CRPS is often confused with similar conditions including fibromyalgia and regional pain syndromes. Its central feature is severe, often debilitating pain in one or more limbs. Usually arising from an injury, surgery, and sometimes illness, the pain seems to be out of proportion to the severity of the cause. Occasionally, CRPS develops spontaneously.

The pain receptors of the affected limb are hypersensitive causing immense pain when triggered by a stimulus that doesn’t normally provoke pain such as contact with clothing, bedding, wind, and water. The pain may be described as burning, throbbing, or sharp. The skin temperature of the affected limb may alternate between hot and cold, and temperature hypersensitivity is common. Changes in skin color and texture, and abnormal hair or nail growth are often visible. Sometimes, CRPS is accompanied by bone and muscle abnormalities.

CRPS 1 arises from a generalized illness or injury and represents most CRPS sufferers, while CRPS 2 is linked specifically to nerve injury. It has been suggested that many of the symptoms of CRPS are rooted in inflammation, poor oxygenation of the affected tissue, and abnormalities in the brain, and central and peripheral nervous systems.2

If left untreated, decreased mobility, muscle wasting, and muscle contracture can ensue, making it critical to get a quick and accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment. CRPS often leads to sleep disturbances and emotional stress, both of which exacerbate the symptoms of CRPS, causing a vicious cycle that leads to poor quality of life. Occasionally, CRPS will resolve spontaneously, but relapses can occur and the symptoms can affect other limbs.

Management of CRPS

Traditional treatment of CRPS focuses on symptom management and is limited to the use of physical therapy, epidural infusions, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and mild analgesic drugs to relieve pain. Sadly, these options do not seek to address the root causes of heightened pain perception.

As the research of CRPS continues, various ideas regarding the cause of CRPS lead to experimental treatments. For example, in response to the proposal that CRPS may be an autoimmune condition, therapies targeting the immune system have been attempted including intravenous immunoglobulin (antibody) treatment3 and a plasma exchange.4 Spinal cord stimulation is also used to reduce pain, but doesn’t provide long-term relief.5 As with the traditional treatment approaches, these options ignore the complex interaction between all body systems and do not focus on comprehensively supporting the whole body. Therefore, they fall short.

The lack of successful therapies for managing CRPS point to the need for a more comprehensive approach that may be found by taking a step back and considering the underlying biochemical, physiological, environmental, and psychological factors that influence pain perception, inflammation, immunity, and tissue healing. Functional medicine presents a perfect paradigm whereby we can help correct root causes of pain associated with CRPS, rather than focusing on temporarily patching the pain.

Heightened pain perception can be rooted in a malfunctioning neurological system or a structural problem, but it can also arise from chronic inflammation, of which pain is a primary symptom. In fact, multiple studies have shown persistent inflammation associated with CRPS, evidenced by significantly elevated levels of inflammatory factors in the blood, blister fluid of affected limbs, and in the cerebrospinal fluid of CRPS sufferers.6 Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation and points to a confused immune system, which regulates inflammation in the body. Functional medicine focuses on restoring balance to the immune system to reduce inflammation using natural methods such as an anti-inflammatory diet, proteolytic enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, bioflavonoids, and botanicals that target the inflammatory pathways of the immune system to reduce inflammatory factors.

Pain perception is a function of the brain and nervous system; therefore, a comprehensive and functional approach to managing chronic pain would explore the possibility of anomalies in these organ systems and seek to support them accordingly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brains of individuals with CRPS show decreased amounts of gray matter in the areas of the brain and limbic system responsible for pain perception and emotions, similar to findings from other chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.7 A functional approach to managing these structural anomalies provides dietary and nutraceutical support to help build brain matter while reducing destructive agents (toxins, allergens, etc.) that may hinder healing and function of these organ systems.

Chronic pain syndromes such as CRPS are emotionally challenging and often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and disturbed sleep. Both emotional and physical trauma influence the development of neurological pathways that are linked to pain perception. Therefore, it is important to address emotional and lifestyle habits that may be reinforcing negative pathways in the brain and enhancing pain perception. A comprehensive and functional approach to reducing pain addresses stress-management, sleep habits, relaxation, and hormone or neurotransmitter imbalances that may affect mood and emotions.

CRPS is one of many chronic pain syndromes that share a host of symptoms stemming from complex functional, biochemical, and/or psychological roots. There is a great need for a comprehensive approach to symptom management – not a drug to cover the pain, but an inside-out approach. This approach will first determine precisely what you are experiencing, identify the cause of those specific symptoms, and then comprehensively support the body’s structural, biochemical, and psychological needs to foster healing. By addressing the root causes of CRPS such as inflammation and structural anomalies with dietary and nutraceutical support, detoxification, stress-management, sleep support and relaxation techniques, the whole body is given the opportunity to heal and quality of life is significantly improved.

So, what steps can you start taking to reduce pain, increase function, and foster healing?

  1. Begin Consuming an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. This first step will lay down a foundation of health by which all other actions can work more successfully. An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on fresh, unprocessed, whole foods. Avoid packaged, boxed, canned, and prepared food items which contain inflammatory preservatives and additives. Make the bulk of your diet fresh vegetables of various colors. Consume fresh, cold-water fish such as salmon a few times each week. Avoid commercial and processed meats, choosing pastured, grass-fed meats, instead. Use plenty of healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado or hemp oil. Use beans and legumes in place of inflammatory grains, and be sure to drink 6 to 8 glasses of pure water each day, perhaps with added lemon to encourage detoxification.
  1. Reduce Your Stress Level. Chronic stress initiates inflammation and pain, and yet it so easily intrudes upon our lives. Schedule daily meditation, prayer, deep breathing, and time to “empty your mind” and reflect on positive things in life. Keeping a gratitude journal is a proven way to encourage positive thinking, which is vital for healing. Don’t overcommit and make sure you are setting aside adequate time for supportive relationships. Enjoy nature and take walks outdoors. Both the sounds of nature and smells of essential oils from trees and herbs can help reduce stress. Soaking in a hot, magnesium bath will also encourage rest and relaxation. Adaptogenic or calming botanicals, and nutrients to help reduce stress may include:
  1. Get Adequate Sleep. Sleeping at least 8 hours each night encourages healing and restoration of all organ systems and is required for chronic pain conditions. Restoration best occurs when you sleep between the hours of 10pm and 6am. Unfortunately, most people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Minimizing exposure to blue light from electronics will encourage melatonin production so you can fall asleep. Sleep in a dark room and begin relaxing at least an hour before you retire. If you battle insomnia, try resetting your circadian rhythm with the following:

References:

  1. Todorova, J., Dantchev, N., & Petrova, G. (2013). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Acceptance and the Alternative Denominations in the Medical Literature. Medical Principles and Practice, 22(3), 295–300. http://doi.org/10.1159/000343905
  2. Palmer, G. (2015). Complex regional pain syndrome. Australian Prescriber, 38(3), 82–86. http://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.029
  3. Immunoglobulin Treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. (2017). Annals of Internal Medicine, 167(7). doi:10.7326/p17-9046
  4. Aradillas et al. (2015). Plasma Exchange Therapy in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Pain Physician, 18(4), 383-94.
  5. Kriek, N., Groeneweg, J., Stronks, D., & Huygen, F. (2015). Comparison of tonic spinal cord stimulation, high-frequency and burst stimulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome: a double-blind, randomised placebo controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 16, 222. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-015-0650-y
  6. Parkitny, L., McAuley, J. H., Di Pietro, F., Stanton, T. R., O’Connell, N. E., Marinus, J., … Moseley, G. L. (2013). Inflammation in complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology, 80(1), 106–117. http://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e31827b1aa1
  7. Barad, M. J., Ueno, T., Younger, J., Chatterjee, N., & Mackey, S. (2014). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is associated with structural abnormalities in pain-related regions of the human brain. The Journal of Pain : Official Journal of the American Pain Society, 15(2), 197–203. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2013.10.011

Visit Dr. Brady’s Websites FibroFix and Dr. David Brady

Quotes and Mantras To Help CRPS Warriors

Quotes and mantras for people with CRPS RSD to help work towards positivity Written by Samantha Anderson for the RSDSA blog

Everyone has bad days. They are inevitable. Bad days are what make good days feel amazing. It can feel incredibly difficult to get through some bad days, particularly if pain is high on those days. We all need something to pull us through and remind us that things get better and that we are strong than we believe.

Take a look through some of the quotes that we found helpful for bad days with CRPS. Consider printing out this list or taking your favorite one and writing it out to hang up on your mirror so you see it every morning.

Quotes:

For the moments when things just are not going right: “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” -Helen Keller

For the days you have to deal with people that doubt your pain or the days you are completely frustrated with everything: “I truly believe that everything we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all teachers- if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.” -Maria Gibbs

When your CRPS pain is flaring and you are wishing for a cure: “You’ve done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.” -Ralph Marston

OR “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” -Lee Iacocca

When you can only find the things wrong with yourself: “Stop saying these negative things about yourself. Look in the mirror and find something about yourself that’s positive and celebrate that!” -Tyra Banks

On the days when something less than favorable happens: “Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have.” -Walter Anderson

When you think about the past: “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us”- Joseph Campbell

When you feel as though you have no control: “I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature.” -Paulo Coelho.

Daily Mantras:

There are blessings hidden everywhere; I will find them

I am enough, I have enough, and I am doing enough. I accept myself and my life fully right now.

No one is you and that is your power (or no one is me and that is my power)

My breaths will be deep and my heart will be open

I will remember that the only shoes I wear are my own

Do what only you can do

Please consider making a donation to RSDSA today!

Combating a CRPS Winter With Music

A playlist of music to get everyone with CRPS RSD through the winter and usher them into springWritten by Samantha Anderson for the RSDSA blog.

Getting through cold, dark winters can be difficult for anyone. With CRPS, we understand that there can be more complications. As someone with CRPS, I’ve fought through some of the darkness of winter with music. Get on board with me and see what my recommendations are to get you through to Spring!

Winter can be incredibly difficult for people with CRPS. All through the United States, we’ve been facing some crazy weather. There has been snow in places that it doesn’t snow, temperatures lower than Alaska in the Northeast, and overall low temperatures all over the country. This weather can make us feel less than stellar. With snow and ice, it can be hard to get around, especially with lower body CRPS. Shoveling can be impossible for us. The cold overall can make our pain feel worse. So many of us are counting down until Spring, when it isn’t freezing, but also isn’t too hot. We need something to keep us in an upbeat mood to beat those winter blues. I wrote an article like this before and it was well received. Call me DJ Sammie-Ay, because I’m writing up all of the song that I think will help you and CRPS through the winter! Music is proven to boost moods. If your body can’t handle vibrations from playing music on a radio or speaker, try headphones on a low volume. These songs will help lift those spirits and will help Spring get here before you know it! Take that, CRPS!

“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. This song is the feel-good anthem of 2017 and I’m carrying it over to 2018. It’s an upbeat song all about positivity. We’re keeping sunshine in our pockets. This song came from the Trolls movie, which I highly recommend for anyone looking for a happy movie to lift their spirits up (available on Netflix right now). You can’t not smile when you hear this song or see those goofy trolls on your screen.

“Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato. While this song is about telling off an ex and telling them what they’re missing, it is a fun song. We can be “sorry not sorry” for a lot of things in our life. I’m happily married and sing this at the top of my lungs. I’m “sorry not sorry” for the days I’d rather stay in watching Netflix versus going out into the cold, for the days I have to choose myself over others, and for being who I am. I am a woman with disabilities that refuses to apologize for it. Sing it with me, baby I’m sorry I’M NOT SORRY (listen to the song, you’ll see why that was in all caps).

“The Champion” by Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris. We work hard every day to get through. We may get knocked down from time to time, but we get back up, fight back hard, and train every day to make our comeback. This is an interesting song from Carrie Underwood and is nothing I’m used to hearing from her. Through this song, she makes me feel unbreakable and unstoppable. When we come out on the other side of winter, we will all be the champions! I also happen to like Ludacris’ breakdown of what each letter in champion stands for. Take a listen. You’ll feel like you can never lose!

“Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya. This song is from the new movie The Greatest Showman. This is a slower song with a good beat behind it, which seems like a huge contradiction. It’s really just a beautiful song. It sounds like a bit of a Romeo and Juliet story within a song, trying to rewrite how life is supposed to go. It’s just a great song to get lost in.

“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves. This song makes it nearly impossible to have a frown on your face. It’s so upbeat and catchy. I could be in the worst mood and someone would put this song on and I’d have to laugh and sing along. This is a great song to have in your library. It’s my “In Case Of Emergency” fun.  Also, if you use Spotify, this is a part of the “Have A Great Day!” playlist, which I highly recommend. The songs are all just too good! We’ll all be walking on sunshine once Spring is here, so let’s prepare by singing along.

“Finesse (Remix)” by Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B. Now, I do not like Cardi B. But this song sounds fresh out of the 90s. It sounds like Boyz II Men, Fresh Prince, and TLC combined. It’s a feel-good song. You can’t help but bob your head. If you love 90s music still, this needs to go to the top of your playlist. I can’t find any faults with this song, despite not liking one of the artists. You’ll absolutely smile with this song.

“Smoke Clears” by Andy Grammer. This song is nice because it talks about how there are lows in life, but there are brighter days ahead, also known as when the smoke clears. The amazing things about the CRPS community is that everyone is supportive of one another. We will all always support each other and help each other through the tough times to the better days. So, I’d like to consider this to be an anthem. Instead of Andy Grammer singing it, imagine the entire CRPS community singing it to you. Talk about powerful!

“Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld. This newcomer has a great voice. This song is fun and is all about how putting yourself first and loving yourself. It is upbeat. This can help usher you into Spring. Make yourself happy and all will be well. It’s also a great little jab at anyone that isn’t 100% supportive. Take that haters!

“Your Song” by Rita Ora. This song is great. It is the ultimate anti-sad song. While it is a little provocative (warning), Ora sings about how she doesn’t want any sad or angry songs any more, just happy songs and love songs. There is a fun little beat in the background. Bonus fact: This song was written by Ed Sheeran.

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This song was from a kids’ movie, but took the world by storm a few years back. This song is all about being happy and getting happy. He sings about how nothing can bring him down, and with this song in your playlist, nothing can bring you down either. Even if you can’t clap along, you’ll get the idea.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. This is a classic that can be on any playlist. It’s a great song and a great reminder to keep believing in tomorrow. Days get better, company gets better, and seasons get better. We’re getting closer and closer to spring with each passing minute. You’re even closer to spring now than you were at the beginning of this blog, so keep believing.

That’s enough for today. Add these songs to your playlists on iTunes, YouTube, or Spotify and listen to them until Spring comes. I have a playlist for every mood and every season, so if you like this blog, be sure to give it a thumbs up on Facebook and let us know if you want more! Take that, CRPS!

Top 5 Clothing Brands for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Samantha writes about clothing that is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome friendly
Me wearing LuLaRoe Leggings and a “Lindsey” kimono style shawl

Written by Samantha Anderson

Fashion and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome don’t always walk hand in hand. Trying to find clothing that is comfortable can be a task. This article features primarily women’s clothing brands (although some fit both), but stay tuned for a men’s clothing article!

Finding comfortable clothing can be a hassle for every day people. Adding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome into the equation can complicate matters even more. Every person with CRPS is so different. Some people need clothing that does not move around very much and stays close to the skin, as the movement of the fabric causes pain. Others cannot wear tight clothing and need things that are more flowy so they are not restricted and there is not constant stimulation happening. Then, add in whether someone has upper, lower, or full body Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and more issues present themselves. Some brands of clothing are better for tops whereas others may be better for bottoms. Then, some brands are more female oriented instead of male oriented. It can be hard to determine what is best.

As someone that started with lower body Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, but is now facing upper body CRPS 11 years later, I have had a lot of trial and error with clothing. For me, every day is different. Sometimes, I need clothing that fits close to my skin. Other days, I need the loosest clothing possible. This list of top 5 brands of clothing is my own opinion based on my life with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I included some information about pricing and some of the pros and cons as well!

  1. LuLaRoe

LuLaRoe is a clothing company known for their “buttery soft” leggings. I had heard many of my friends with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome talk about this company, so I decided to check them out. After I ordered my first pair of leggings, I fell in love. I have quite a collection now. They are super soft and are great for the days I cannot handle flowy fabric. Their tops are also great and come in a variety of styles. The Classic T isn’t tight around the waist or arms, but is flattering. The Perfect T is very flowy and can be styled in a variety of ways. Then there are tops like the Lynnae, which is a long-sleeved version of the Classic T, and the Gigi which is a tighter fitting shirt. Most consultants will tell you about the fabric of the item and will detail how soft it is if you ask. I was never one for patterns (I love black clothing), but this also helped me branch out into different colors and patterns in my wardrobe.

Cost: Leggings are generally $25 and tops can vary from $28-$45.

Pros: Sizes offered go smaller than XXS (you can order kids sizes) and go up to 3XL. Some of the 3XLs are actually the equivalent to 5XL. There are a lot of different styles that allow you to optimize your comfort level. The items are so comfortable and versatile. There are also men’s styles and “dressy” styles available.

Cons: Items can only be bought on Facebook or in person, as that is the way that LuLaRoe sells their products. Products are a little pricey and aren’t supposed to be machine washed.

  1. C9 by Champion

C9 by Champion was a bit of a happy accident for me. I was looking for a top to wear to an appointment, which needed to be like a workout top. I then found C9 at Target (my home away from home). These items were a lot like Under Armor without the steep pricing. Everything was pretty reasonable. There were tops, sweatshirts, and pants for men and women. The tops are relatively silky, which is a nice feel compared to some other fabrics (the best it can feel when you’re in pain). These are great for hanging around the house or going to appointments. If you can do basic workouts, these are also great for that.

Cost: Price vary from about $7-$50 (higher prices for nice jackets).

Pros: Easy to access. Target offers deals on these products on a regular basis (online, too). There are a variety of colors and sizes. Very lightweight.

Cons: Sizing can vary from item to item and there are not any “dressier” items for more formal occasions.

  1. Gildan

A lot of people own Gildan items without knowing it. Gildan is generally one of the main providers for screen printers. Event shirts are normally from this brand and get softer with each wash. This brand is also sold at Walmart and on Amazon. They offer a great variety of products, from t-shirts to sweatpants. I have a lot of event and concert t-shirts, which I wear more frequently than most of my clothes. It is almost like the fabric molds to your body as time goes on. It is also a pretty cheap option, even if you are ordering custom shirts from websites like Teespring.

Cost: Varies, but generally under $25

Pros: Affordable clothing. Gets softer when it is washed. A variety of different looks and customization options.

Cons: Cheaper shirts do not always last as long, depending on how well it was made. Fit can vary from item to item. Starts off a little itchy.

  1. Victoria’s Secret/Pink

Victoria’s Secret has branched out to sell much more than undergarments. They offer a variety of clothing including t-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and yoga pants. Their Pink line features some Sherpa lined items and soft, loose clothing. Their Sport line offers tighter, stretchy clothing that keeps the sweat away. So, whether you need something flowy or something tight, Victoria’s Secret can fit your needs. They are generally pretty true to size, although their size variety seems to be XS to XL. I am a lover of all things fleece and Sherpa, so this line is my dream.

Cost: Pricy, generally upwards of $25 and averaging at $50.

Pros: Great variety. Soft or stretchy fabrics. Variety of color options. Easy to order online or in store.

Cons: Generally women’s only clothing. Expensive. Brand is often in large letters on the clothing. Size range.

  1. Chin Up Apparel

I stumbled upon Chin Up Apparel as a happy accident. I had a favorite shirt that I bought at a local store and wanted to find more of them. I looked at the tag, which was printed on the shirt instead of an itchy tag, and it said Chin Up. At the time, I was not aware that this was an entire line of items. On their website, the declare themselves to be a workout line. They have all different styles of t-shirts and sweatshirts. These items always have fun sayings on them, which can really brighten a day. For example, one of the baseball style tees on their site says: “After This We’re Getting Tacos,” which truly spoke to my heart. The material is generally very light and airy, which is nice for the days where clothing is just so painful that you’d rather wear nothing. This is a nice alternative. Plus, the sayings on the shirt can either tell people to back off or can make you smile with the silliness. I just wish they made pants. I should pitch my ideas.

Cost: $19.95 to $37 (sweatshirts are the $37 items).

Pros: Funny sayings cheer up the gloomiest of days. Sizes seem to be flexible. Material is soft and airy. Can be found in stores or online.

Cons: Limited men’s items. Can be considered pricey. Some of the sayings may not fit your life.

 

Clothing can be stressful. While we joke that it takes me a while to get dressed because I’m indecisive about what to wear, I am generally trying to gauge my level of comfort. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and clothing may not be the best of friends, but these brands can at least make them acquaintances. I hope you are able to try out some of these brands and that they bring you the most comfort possible. I will continue to research some men’s fashion and try it out to tell you about the comfort of other brands to maybe write a follow up to this one! Good luck and rock what you wear!

Please consider making a donation to RSDSA today!

When It Gets Cold – Activities To Do With CRPS

Written by Samantha Anderson for the RSDSA blog.

Winter has arrived and is hitting many areas of this country hard. Temperatures are low, snow is coming, and many people with CRPS are trying to figure out how they can stay entertained without further aggravating their CRPS.

For many people with CRPS, winter is not a friend of theirs. Cold air and storms can make pain levels go up and can really put a damper on someone’s day. It can be a quite unfortunate occurrence, especially for anyone that loved to play in the snow pre-CRPS. Snowy weather and storms do not have to mean that the fun ends. There are indoor activities that you can do to keep yourself entertained this winter (and during any stormy season). While not all of these ideas are flare-friendly, they may be little goals that you can reach as you go. Some of these activities may be more possible for people with lower body CRPS versus upper body and vice versa.

  1. Learn a crafty hobby.

CRPS has left me with a lot of time on my hands. While my arms and wrists are impacted by CRPS (although I’m primarily affected in my lower body), I’ve taken up crocheting. YouTube offers a massive amount of tutorials. From blankets to hats and even sweaters, you can make it all. It takes a little while to learn, but it turns into a lot of fun. If you are looking to give back, some hospitals look for hats for newborns and some shelters look for blankets. You can always donate your creations. You can also make them for yourself or sell them on Etsy. The possibilities are endless. Knitting is in the same family and some people consider it to be much easier than crocheting. The possibilities are endless.

  1. Do a jigsaw puzzle.

I feel as though appreciation for puzzles has decreased dramatically over the years. I still love a good puzzle. There are puzzles in all different categories, from animals to movies. You can find one to fit your interests. These consume some time and allow you to complete them while staying warm under a blanket or within your house. There are also mats that you can purchase to do your puzzle on that allow you to roll it up in between puzzle sessions. If you love your puzzle, you can glue it all together to make wall art for your house. That’s a win-win!

  1. Become a word expert or a business tycoon.

No schooling is required for this one. Board games are a great solution to boredom that comes as the result of being cooped up in the house. There are game for two people all the way to twenty people. My personal favorite is Monopoly, which I played for four hours on New Year’s Eve. Classic board games are a great way to keep busy. New games are being created every day and more are being targeted towards adults instead of children. Host a friendly competition to see who can be the very best.

  1. Create your own Food Network Show.

One of my favorite television networks is Food Network. I’m constantly amazed by the cakes that some people create and the ingredients people can use to create a full meal. Now, there are shows featuring children under 10 and they make me feel completely inadequate, but I digress. Shows like Chopped show that meals can be made with the most random ingredients. Play your own version of Chopped by picking four random ingredients from your fridge/pantry to work with (or have someone pick it for you). See what you can create. Or, test out some recipes that the stars of Food Network have tried out. If nothing else, you’ll end up with something great to eat!

  1. Play online games

While many people are huge fans of video games, they can be a lot of fun. There are online versions of classic games, such as Scrabble and Monopoly, on different websites. Then, if you own a gaming console, you can play games on it to keep busy. Many games even offer the ability to play against others online. Video games have been shown to improve reactions times and mental sharpness (crazy, right?) So, really you’re just strengthening your brain.

  1. Write about something.

Make yourself a nice cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and curl up with a journal or a laptop. Then, just write. Whether you want to write about your life and keep it as a diary, think up a poem, write a blog, or start writing a story that you hope to turn into a book, this can be a great outlet for creativity. If you write a CRPS related blog and you want to share it, please send it our way for The Tuesday Burn! We also love to hear when members of our community publish books.

  1. Take pictures.

Document daily life through pictures. Smart phone cameras can be just as good as some digital cameras. DSLR cameras can take some breathtaking images. Whether you want to show a boiling tea pot or want to take a photo out the window of a bird on a branch, there are ways to find the beauty in everything through photography. You may even surprise yourself when you’re snapping away. It may help you find more beauty in every moment.

  1. Color or draw and let your inner child soar

Coloring and drawing are great pastimes that do not require any kind of outdoor interaction. Grab some colored pencils and a coloring book (or drawing pad) and go to town. More and more coloring books are becoming adult-centered and help with meditation and relaxation. Creative things can make you feel happier, even if the weather outside is frightful.

  1. Sing

Not all of us were blessed with pipes that compare to Adele or Josh Groban, but that does not have to stop you from singing. Make up your own song, sing one that you love, even turn the music on low and sing along with it. Four songs can take up 20 minutes of time. It can make time go by quickly. Singing is also linked to more positive emotions and is considered a release of stress. Sing it loud and proud, even if you sound like William Hung from American Idol.

  1. Binge-watch a new television series

With Netflix, Hulu, and on demand television shows, it can be hard to select a new show to watch. Maybe there is a show that you have always heard about, but never got to watch. Or there may be a show you started and never finished. Take to the television to watch all of the episodes of that show. See what the buzz is about and make your predictions for the show, even if it has been over for a decade or two. This can be a great way to waste some time while staying warm and out of the bitter cold beyond the door.

  1. Create a fantasy team

If you like sports, you may already be a part of a fantasy football or baseball league. Have your own fun and create your own fantasy teams and rules for other sports or for the off-season. In my family, we have a fantasy league running for the NHL. We focus it around our team and see how many points we can get each game. At the end of the season, we announce the winner. We also have a fantasy Grammy, Emmy, VMA, AMA, and Tony’s game. We predict the winners and see who can get the most correct. We collect responses from some of our friends and family and keep track of who predicted the most wins accurately. Sometimes we offer prizes, but other times it is just bragging rights. It’s tons of fun.

What you do on your cold or snowy days is up to you. While you may have to stay warm and away from the cold temperatures, you can still have a good time. What do you do to keep yourself entertained and warm when the weather is less than favorable?