RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Compression Garments on Pain in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Upper Limbs.

This study is exploring a new way to help people who have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in their arms. CRPS can cause ongoing and often severe pain, and sometimes swelling. The researchers want to find out if wearing special tight-fitting garments, called compression garments, can help reduce this pain. These garments are sometimes used to lessen swelling, but doctors have noticed that some patients wearing them for swelling also feel better nerve pain. This study aims to see if compression garments really do make a difference for nerve pain in CRPS, offering a new potential way to manage this challenging condition. It hopes to show that wearing these garments can significantly ease nerve pain.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Mutualiste de Rééducation et de Réadaptation Fonctionnelles de Kerpape

Enrolment target

Start

12 Oct 2021

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Complex Regional Pain Syndromes

What is this study about?

This study is investigating whether special tight-fitting clothes, known as compression garments, can help people who suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in their arms. CRPS is a condition that causes long-lasting pain, often described as burning or shooting, and can sometimes lead to swelling, changes in skin temperature, and stiffness in the affected limb. It can be a very challenging condition to live with, and doctors are always looking for better ways to manage the pain.

Compression garments work by applying gentle pressure to the skin and tissues. They are often used to reduce swelling, for example after an injury or surgery. In this study, doctors noticed that some patients with CRPS who wore these garments for swelling also reported feeling less nerve pain. This made them wonder if the garments might have an additional benefit beyond just reducing swelling.

So, this study wants to properly investigate this idea. They will compare a group of people with CRPS who receive their usual treatment plus wear a compression garment, with another group who only receive their usual treatment. The goal is to see if wearing the compression garment can lead to a noticeable reduction in nerve pain, potentially offering a new and simple way for people with CRPS to find relief.

Key takeaways

Exploring if compression garments reduce nerve pain in CRPS.
Compares usual treatment with and without the garment.
Aims to find new ways to manage CRPS pain.
Participants must have CRPS in an upper limb for over 3 months.
Could offer a simple, non-drug pain relief option.
You must be able to put on the garment yourself.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in one of your arms. Your CRPS must have been diagnosed by specific medical rules called the Budapest criteria, and you also need to be experiencing nerve pain as part of your CRPS, confirmed by a special test called DN4. Your CRPS must have been present for at least three months.

It's important that your skin on your arms is healthy and you don't have any open wounds or blood clots (phlebitis). You also can't have had any recent changes to your pain medication in the last month. You'll need to be willing to give your permission to be in the study and be covered by a social security plan.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you've worn a compression garment before, if you have severe memory or thinking problems that would make it hard to understand the study, or if you have certain skin conditions that would prevent you from wearing the garment. If you've previously had blood vessel problems in your arms, or if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or could become pregnant without using contraception, you also won't be able to participate. Finally, you must be able to put on the compression garment by yourself.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my arm, diagnosed by a doctor.
My CRPS has caused me nerve pain that has been present for at least 3 months.
I don't have any open wounds or blood clots on my affected arm.
I haven't changed my pain medications in the last month.
I am able to put on a tight-fitting garment on my arm by myself.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it's expected to show a notable reduction in neuropathic pain thanks to the wearing of a compression garment. You would continue your usual medical treatment for CRPS. The main difference would be that you would also wear a special compression garment (like a glove or sleeve) on your affected arm. You would be compared to people who receive their usual treatment but do not wear the garment. The study will likely involve regular check-ups to see if your pain levels are changing.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit: if the compression garment works, you could experience a significant reduction in your nerve pain, improving your daily life. However, there are also potential risks; for example, some people might find the garment uncomfortable, experience skin irritation, or might not see any improvement in their pain. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CMRRF de Kerpape
Verified postcode
Ploemeur, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS is a long-lasting pain condition unique to an arm or leg, often following an injury or stroke.

What are compression garments?

These are special tight-fitting clothes, like gloves or sleeves, designed to apply gentle pressure to a body part.

Will I have to stop my current pain medication?

No, you must not have changed your medication for at least one month before the study starts, but you will continue your usual treatment.

What is 'nerve pain'?

Nerve pain often feels like burning, shooting, stabbing, or tingling sensations, different from regular muscle or joint pain.

Who is funding this study?

The information provided does not specify who is funding this particular study.

How to find out more

Vincent Detaille, Doctor

vincent.detaille@vyv3.fr 02 97 82 60 28 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.