Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating disease that frequently follows trauma or injury and is marked by autonomic dysregulation, chronic pain, and altered sensory perception. Though our understanding of its etiology has advanced, effective therapies are still unclear. Growing research has been done on the potential benefits of vitamin C for preventing CRPS. Vitamin C supplementation may prove to be a useful addition to the treatment of this disabling condition as our understanding of CRPS develops. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the state of the field and investigate possible pathways that may underlie vitamin C’s therapeutic benefits in CRPS. A comprehensive review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar with the keywords “CRPS,” and “Vitamin C.” Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed, English language articles focusing on the role of Vitamin C in CRPS. Relevant studies were identified through database searches and manual reference checks. In conclusion, CRPS presents a complex clinical challenge, with its causes and mechanisms not clearly understood. Although pain management can offer partial relief, many patients still suffer from significant pain and impairment.
Key words: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, pain management
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