Color the World Orange Day Date in the current year: November 4, 2024

A health condition characterized by amplified pain without an identifiable physical cause is called amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS). There are four main types of AMPS, one of which is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that occurs when pain from a physical injury lasts longer than the expected recovery time and is disproportionate to the severity of the original injury.

There are two types of CRPS. Type 1, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or Sudeck’s atrophy, is CRPS without any observed neural damage. Type 2, also known as causalgia, is CRPS with evidence of neural damage; it is typically much more painful than Type 1. RSD accounts for approximately 90% of all CRPS cases.

Both types of CRPS have similar symptoms: intense continuous musculoskeletal pain that may worsen over time, swelling, decreased mobility, and changes in the skin (color, texture, temperature). Other symptoms include sweating, hypersensitivity to stimuli, sensitivity to touch, changes in nails and hair, and changes in bones. CRPS usually starts in one limb and may then spread throughout the entire body; about 35% of CRPS patients have reported a full-body impact from the condition.

CRPS is an uncommon condition, the cause of which is not clearly understood yet. It usually develops after an injury, heart attack, stroke, or surgery; smoking is believed to be a risk factor. CRPS can occur at any age; although the average age at diagnosis is around 40, the number of reported cases among teenagers and young adults has been increasing. Women are affected three times more frequently than men.

Although CRPS improves over time in most people, sometimes this doesn’t happen; lingering symptoms of CRPS can cause long-term disability and severely affect one’s quality of life. Since the condition is poorly understood, there is no immediate cure. Treatment may include rehabilitation and physical therapy, psychotherapy, medications, spinal cord stimulation, and other methods which are chosen individually for each patient. It is most effective when started early.

Color the World Orange Day was founded in 2014 to spread global awareness of CRPS and raise money for CRPS research. The easiest way to get involved with the campaign is to wear orange to raise awareness and start conversations. Don’t forget to take a selfie and post it on social media with the hashtag #CRPSOrangeDay to spread the word.

Other ways to support the campaign include learning more about CRPS/RSD and helping to educate others, reaching out to your local authorities and asking to light an iconic landmark orange to help spread awareness, donating to an organization that supports CRPS patients or funds research, and organizing a charity event in your community and donating the proceeds to a CRPS/RSD nonprofit.