Getting her life back: Amelia overcomes chronic pain

The pain seemed to come from nowhere. Although fifth-grader Amelia Watt had sprained her ankle playing soccer a few weeks earlier, the injury had seemed inconsequential. Yet now, she couldn’t put any weight on her foot without crying. Soon, the burning pain crept up her leg and her foot began to turn purple. Even taking a shower had become excruciating. At age 11, this vibrant, active girl was relegated to crutches, afraid to walk. Eventually, Amelia’s local physicians diagnosed her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition believed to be caused by malfunction of the nervous system. CRPS tends to occur after a minor injury and is associated with persistent pain in one or more limbs, as well as sensitivity to touch, swelling and color changes to the skin. “People told us to just give it time and she’d be fine, but it was getting worse,” remembers her mom, Sarah. “Chronic pain can take over your whole family, and we were living in dread of what would happen next.” An intense approach  On the recommendation of a friend, the family decided to contact the Chronic Pain Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital. After evaluation by the team, Amelia was recommended Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (PPRC) at Boston Children’s Hospital. After an initial visit, it was clear that Amelia would benefit from the intensive approach offered by the PPRC’s care team. Encouraged by their visit, Amelia’s parents took her out of school and moved fr...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories chronic pain Chronic Pain Clinic complex regional pain syndrome Dr. Edin Randall Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (PPRC) Source Type: news