Complex regional pain syndrome of the foot and its management using spinal cord stimulation

Background: This article discusses neuropathic foot pain with particular reference to complex regional pain syndrome. It provides recommendations for the clinical evaluation of complex regional pain syndrome and highlights the value of spinal cord stimulation in its management. The aim is to review neuropathic foot pain in complex regional pain syndrome and outline its management using spinal cord stimulation. It is important for Podiatrists managing such patients to have an understanding of this treatment modality. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using English language medical databases combining search strategies for complex regional pain syndrome and spinal cord stimulation. Results: Spinal cord stimulation improves the subjective symptoms of the neuropathic foot pain of complex regional pain syndrome, enables objective functional improvement and reduces analgesic consumption. Conclusion: Recent technical developments in spinal cord stimulation have led to improved stimulation patterns adapted to the patients’ needs. Careful preoperative diagnosis, robust patient selection and frequent follow-up are vital for the success of this method.