Jenelle Evans has opened up about feeling 'hopeless' as she continues to live with severe chronic pain following knee surgery, bringing attention to a little-understood condition called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

The former Teen Mom star said she was diagnosed with CRPS after undergoing surgery for a knee injury in April 2026. She has described experiencing persistent pain from her leg to her back and said that even everyday activities such as showering and swimming can become extremely painful.

She is now receiving care from a pain specialist and seeing a therapist to help manage the emotional impact.

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually develops after an injury, surgery, or other physical trauma. The pain is often much more severe and longer-lasting than would normally be expected from the original injury.

The condition most commonly affects one limb, although the pain and other symptoms can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve an abnormal response by the nervous system following an injury.

What Does CRPS Feel Like?

Severe, persistent pain is the main symptom. People may describe it as burning, stabbing, or stinging, while others experience tingling or numbness.

One particularly distinctive feature is extreme sensitivity to touch. A sensation that would normally be harmless, such as clothing brushing against the skin or a light touch, can cause intense pain. This is known as allodynia.

The affected area can also swell or become unusually hot, cold, red, blue, or sweaty. Changes to the hair and nails, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving the affected limb can also occur.

Evans has described this type of sensitivity, saying that even water from a shower hitting her leg can cause significant pain.

How Is CRPS Diagnosed?

There is no single test that can confirm CRPS. Doctors generally assess symptoms and examine the affected area while using tests to rule out other possible causes of pain.

Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans, and nerve-conduction studies may be used when appropriate. Because diagnosis can be challenging, the NHS recommends seeking medical advice for persistent pain that interferes with everyday activities, with early treatment potentially helping to reduce symptoms.

Can CRPS Be Treated?

There is currently no known cure for CRPS, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve function.

Treatment commonly combines physical rehabilitation, pain relief, education, and self-management strategies, as well as psychological support. Physiotherapy may help people gradually restore movement and function, while desensitisation techniques can help reduce sensitivity over time.

The NHS says about 85% of people with CRPS gradually experience a reduction in pain and some symptoms during the first two years, although some continue to experience persistent pain.

Because chronic pain can affect sleep, mobility, work, and emotional well-being, psychological support can also be an important part of treatment. Anxiety and depression can occur alongside CRPS, making comprehensive care particularly important.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
    CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually develops after an injury, surgery, or trauma, characterised by severe and persistent pain.
  • What are the symptoms of CRPS?
    Symptoms include severe pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, changes in skin temperature or colour, and difficulty moving the affected limb.
  • How is CRPS diagnosed?
    CRPS is diagnosed through symptom assessment and ruling out other conditions using tests like blood tests, X-rays, and MRI scans.
  • Can CRPS be treated?
    While there is no cure, CRPS can be managed with treatments like physical rehabilitation, pain relief, and psychological support.
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