Feasibility Study of Combined Peripheral Nerve Block and Physiotherapy for CRPS
This study is investigating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a type of long-term pain in the arm that can be very severe and make everyday life difficult. Current treatments don't always work well, so researchers are looking for better options. This trial aims to see if combining a specific nerve injection, called an axillary brachial plexus block, with physiotherapy is more effective at reducing pain and improving arm function than physiotherapy by itself. This is a "feasibility study," meaning it's a small, initial step to find out if a larger study on this new treatment idea would be possible and worthwhile. The goal is to discover new ways to help people living with CRPS feel better and have a better quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine living with pain that doesn't go away, sometimes feeling much worse than expected for an injury. That's what Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be like. It often affects an arm or a leg, causing severe pain, swelling, and changes to the skin. It can make it really hard to do daily activities, and sometimes even lead to feelings of sadness or difficulty sleeping. Many current treatments for CRPS don't always offer a complete solution, and doctors and patients are eager to find more effective ways to manage this challenging condition.
This study is trying out a new approach for CRPS that affects the arm. We want to see if an injection, called an axillary brachial plexus block, when given alongside regular physiotherapy, can help more than just physiotherapy on its own. The injection temporarily numbs some nerves in the armpit area, which might help reduce pain and allow physiotherapy to be more effective. Researchers believe this combination could help improve both pain levels and how well people can move and use their arm.
This is an early-stage study, often called a "feasibility study." This means we are not yet trying to prove if the treatment definitely works better, but rather checking if we can run a bigger study on it in the future. We're looking at things like whether people are happy to join, if they can complete the treatment, and if we can collect the right information. Finding better treatments for CRPS could make a huge difference to many people's lives in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a new treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the arm.
- It combines a nerve-numbing injection with physiotherapy.
- The goal is to see if this combination works better for pain and movement than physiotherapy alone.
- This is a small, early-stage study to check if a larger trial is possible.
- All participants will receive physiotherapy treatment.
- It aims to find new ways to improve the quality of life for people with CRPS.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be 18 years old or older and have been diagnosed with CRPS in your arm according to specific medical guidelines (called the Budapest criteria). You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have an allergy to certain medicines used for numbing or to a cleaning solution called chlorhexidine. You also can't participate if you have an infection where the injection would be given, or if you've already had a similar nerve injection for your CRPS within the last six months.
Other reasons you might not be suitable include if you can't manage to have the nerve injection or physiotherapy, if you have another ongoing painful condition in the same arm, or if you simply decide it's not for you.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with CRPS in your arm by a doctor?
- Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Do you have any allergies to local anaesthetic or chlorhexidine?
- Have you had a similar nerve injection for your CRPS within the last 6 months?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will be assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive an injection near your armpit (an axillary brachial plexus block) combined with a physiotherapy programme. The other group will receive the same physiotherapy programme but without the injection. You won't get to choose which group you are in.
Before starting, you'll have an initial assessment. Throughout the study, you will attend regular physiotherapy sessions. There will also be appointments where we check on your pain levels, how well you can move your arm, and your general well-being. Detailed information about the number of visits and the total duration of your participation will be provided to you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Kingston Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeKingston, Canada
Common questions
What is CRPS?
CRPS stands for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It's a type of long-lasting pain that usually affects an arm or a leg, often after an injury, and can be much more severe than expected for that injury.
What is an 'axillary brachial plexus block'?
It's an injection given near your armpit to numb specific nerves that provide feeling to your arm. This is a temporary effect and aims to reduce pain.
Why a 'feasibility study'?
This is a small, initial study to see if a new treatment idea can be practically carried out in a larger study. We're testing the process, not fully proving if the treatment works yet.
Will I get physiotherapy?
Yes, all participants in this study will receive physiotherapy as part of their treatment plan.
Can I choose which treatment I get?
No, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the nerve block plus physiotherapy or physiotherapy alone. This helps ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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