Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Post COVID-19 Vaccine Shot: An Autobiographical Case Report

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a pathological exaggeration caused by trauma from injections and vaccine administration characterized by severe pain (often burning), hyperesthesia, allodynia, edema, vasomotor changes, decreased range of motion, hyperhidrosis, and trophic changes. It occurs at all ages with female predominance, and the incidence increases until late middle age. Hand and foot involvement is well recognized, and this may spread proximally. Treatment usually requires a multimodal approach, including medications and physical and cognitive therapy. Reports of CRPS after vaccination are rare. The incidence of CRPS post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is not yet reported. This case report describes my experience with deltoid hematoma, tennis elbow, and living with CRPS post COVID-19 vaccine shot, including the psychosocial adaptations I made in my day-to-day life.