What is a common characteristic of Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome?

In Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a defining characteristic is the absence of confirmed nerve injury. This syndrome typically arises following an injury, such as a fracture or surgery, which is not directly related to nerve damage. Instead, it involves a complex interplay of the nervous system and immune responses that lead to the symptoms.

Patients commonly experience persistent pain that can be disproportionate to the initial injury, along with other manifestations like swelling, changes in skin temperature, and alterations in hair and nail growth. However, unlike Type 2 CRPS, which occurs following identifiable nerve injury, Type 1 is characterized specifically by the lack of evidence of nerve damage. This distinction helps healthcare providers in diagnosing and developing treatment strategies for affected individuals.

The other options do not align with the characteristics of Type 1 CRPS. For instance, chronic pain that always resolves contradicts the nature of Type 1 CRPS, where pain can be persistent and challenging to treat. Localized swelling without discoloration does not encapsulate the usual clinical presentations associated with this condition, which often includes changes in skin color and temperature. Lastly, the presence of nerve injury is typical of Type 2 CRPS, making this option inaccurate for describing Type 1.