Compression garments for upper-limb pain in complex regional pain syndrome

Impact of Compression Garments on Neuropathic-looking Pain in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the Upper Limbs.

Not applicable Interventional Centre Mutualiste de Rééducation et de Réadaptation Fonctionnelles de Kerpape · NCT05034835

The trial will see if wearing compression gloves or sleeves can reduce neuropathic pain in people with CRPS of the upper limb.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Mutualiste de Rééducation et de Réadaptation Fonctionnelles de Kerpape Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ploemeur, Brittany Region)
Trial IDNCT05034835 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares usual treatment plus a compression garment (CERECARE glove or sleeve) to usual treatment without a compression garment in patients with upper-limb CRPS. Eligible participants meet the Budapest criteria for CRPS and have neuropathic pain confirmed by DN4, with symptoms for more than three months and stable medications. Participants wear the assigned garment as part of their care and investigators track changes in neuropathic pain and any associated edema over the treatment period. The study is carried out at CMRRF de Kerpape in Ploemeur, France, with collaborating clinical partners.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with upper-limb CRPS for more than three months with neuropathic pain by DN4, stable medication for at least one month, no open wounds or skin conditions, and no prior use of compression garments.

Not a fit: Patients with active skin lesions, a history of vascular or lymphatic surgery, known allergy to garment components, or who have already used compression garments are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, wearing a compression glove or sleeve could reduce neuropathic pain and swelling, improving hand comfort and function.

How similar studies have performed: Compression garments are commonly used to control edema in rehabilitation and some patients report pain relief, but controlled evidence specifically showing reduced neuropathic pain in CRPS is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with CRPS of the upper limb with neuropathic pain

  * Diagnosis of CRPS according to the Budapest criteria
  * Diagnosis of neuropathic pain according to DN4
* CRPS evolving for more than 3 months
* No phlebitis or open sores on the upper limbs
* Patient consent to participate in the study
* No modification of his drug treatment for 1 month
* Affiliation to a social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient under guardianship, curatorship or safeguard of justice
* Psychiatric pathology altering the ability to consent
* Severe cognitive disorders that do not allow the patient to assess his pain
* Skin pathology preventing the wearing of the compression garment
* Patient who has previously worn a compression garment
* History of vascular disorders of the upper limbs, lymph node dissection, or any other pathology that can lead to edema regardless of CRPS
* Known allergy to one of the components of the compression garments of the Cerecare brand
* Declared pregnancy, breastfeeding woman or woman of childbearing potential without contraception
* Inability to put on the compression garment alone

Where this trial is running

Ploemeur, Brittany Region

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.