Chilblains and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: The Hidden Connection

I recently came across a discussion in a CRPS support group about chilblains, and it immediately caught my attention because so many of the symptoms sounded familiar. People were sharing photos of red, purple, swollen fingers and toes. Some described burning, itching, tenderness, and skin that seemed to react to the slightest change in temperature. 

As I kept reading, I started wondering how many people with CRPS might be dealing with this without even realizing what it is. While I could not find much research on the relationship between chilblains and CRPS, there does seem to be a connection worth talking about. And since I personally had some of these little red spots during my worst flare ups, I figured it was worth exploring. So let’s dive right in!

What Are Chilblains?

Chilblains, sometimes called pernio, are areas of inflamed skin that can develop after exposure to cold temperatures. They most commonly show up on the fingers, toes, ears, or nose. They can look like:

• Red or purple patches
• Swollen fingers or toes
• Tender or painful skin
• Burning sensations
• Itching
• Increased sensitivity to touch

For some people, chilblains are simply a seasonal issue. But if you have CRPS, you already know your body doesn't always respond to temperature the way it should. And seemingly small lesions and cuts can turn into days or even week long struggles to heal.

The CRPS Connection

One of the things that frustrates many living with CRPS is how unpredictable circulation can become. I remember constantly noticing temperature differences between limbs. One hand would be warm while the other felt like it had been sitting in a freezer. Sometimes my skin would turn red. Other times it would look pale or even slightly blue.

Sound familiar?

CRPS doesn't just affect pain signals. It can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate things like blood flow, circulation, sweating, and temperature control. When circulation becomes inconsistent, tissues may become more sensitive to cold exposure.

That's one reason some with CRPS wonder whether they are more prone to developing chilblains or chilblain-like symptoms. Whether it's technically chilblains or simply another expression of the circulation challenges that often accompany CRPS, the result is the same: cold, uncomfortable hands and feet that don't seem to behave normally.

The Problem With Constantly Feeling Cold

Most people don't think twice about cold hands or feet. But if you have CRPS, you know it's different. When an affected limb stays cold for long periods of time, it can feel stiff, uncomfortable, and more sensitive. Many find themselves constantly reaching for heating pads, warm baths, thick socks, or gloves just to get comfortable.

The problem is that aggressively heating a cold limb isn't always the best answer. Rapid temperature changes can actually make symptoms worse. Instead, gentle and consistent approaches often work better. That's one reason I became interested in using light therapy as part of my own recovery journey years ago.

Why I Like Light Therapy for Circulation Support

Before I ever discovered Scrambler Therapy, red and near-infrared light therapy was one of the tools that helped me the most. What I like about light therapy is that it isn't simply warming the skin from the outside. It works differently. Specific wavelengths of light interact with structures inside our cells called mitochondria. These mitochondria are responsible for producing cellular energy and helping tissues function properly. Many people use light therapy to support:

• Healthy circulation
• Cellular energy production
• Tissue recovery
• Skin health
• Overall comfort

One thing I hear repeatedly from people using light therapy consistently is that their hands and feet simply feel warmer. For someone dealing with CRPS, that can be a pretty big deal.

The Wavelengths I Would Focus On

If your goal is supporting circulation and tissue health, I would look for a device that includes both red and near-infrared wavelengths. However, if you can find a device that also includes blue light and allows you to isolate each wavelength independently, even better.

670nm Red Light

This wavelength works particularly well closer to the surface of the skin and is commonly used to support skin health and superficial circulation.

810nm Near-Infrared Light

If I could only choose one wavelength, 810nm would be near the top of my list. It penetrates deeper into tissues and is one of the most researched wavelengths in photobiomodulation.

470nm Blue Light

Blue light serves a different purpose than red and near-infrared light. It is widely recognized for its antimicrobial properties and is often used to support skin health. For individuals experiencing irritated skin, cracked skin, or skin changes associated with circulation challenges, having access to blue light may provide an additional layer of support.

For that reason, my favorite devices are those that include red, near-infrared, and blue light with the ability to run each wavelength independently. This allows you to customize your sessions based on what your body needs that day.

My Suggested Home Protocol

One mistake I see people make with light therapy is assuming more is better. Usually, consistency wins over longer sessions. Below are some general guidelines using a red light therapy panel for common areas of the body. Always defer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific device.

For Hands

Position the light approximately 6 inches away.

• 10 minutes on the palm side
• 10 minutes on the back of the hand
• Once daily

For Feet

Position the light approximately 6 inches away.

• 10 minutes on the top of the foot
• 10 minutes on the sole of the foot
• Once daily

For More Widespread CRPS

If your CRPS affects larger areas of the body, I would also consider full-body light therapy sessions.

• 10 to 20 minutes
• Once daily
• Use both red and near-infrared wavelengths

Think of it as supporting the entire system rather than chasing individual symptoms. I love adding this in with ongoing scrambler therapy sessions as the two therapies are extremely complimentary.

Other Things That May Help

Over the years I've learned that circulation challenges usually aren't happening in isolation. Many people also find it helpful to focus on:

• Gentle movement throughout the day
• Staying hydrated
• Wearing warm socks and gloves
• Avoiding prolonged cold exposure
• Supporting nervous system regulation through vagus nerve stimulation
• Managing stress levels

None of these are magic bullets. But together they can make a meaningful difference and allow you to be more in control of your pain management.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

One thing I've learned from both my own experience and working with others is that CRPS is rarely about just one symptom. The circulation issues, temperature changes, swelling, skin changes, pain, and sensitivity are often connected pieces of a much larger puzzle. That's why I never like looking at any one issue in isolation.

Light therapy can be an incredible tool at home, but it's often just one piece of a broader strategy that may include nervous system support, movement, circulation-focused therapies, and other approaches designed to help the body function more normally.

Need Help Building a Plan?

If you're living with CRPS and struggling with cold extremities, circulation issues, skin changes, or other symptoms that seem connected to nervous system dysfunction, I'd be happy to help.

At Light Therapy Resource, I offer one-on-one consultations where we can discuss your symptoms, your current setup, and the tools that may help support your goals. Whether you're trying to choose the right light therapy device, optimize your dosing, or explore other non-invasive options such as scrambler therapy, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

Book a free consultation here today and let's build a plan that makes sense for you. Or give us a call at (820) 203-3996.