Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as Sudeck's dystrophy, algodystrophy and causalgia, is a state of chronic burning pain often associated with autonomic disfunction. The aim of this review is to present epidemiology and etiology of the disease, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic procedures and methods of treating the symptoms of the disease. The cause of the disease is not clearly understood. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include dysfunction of the central and peripheral nervous system, inappropriate inflamatory response and autonomic disfunction. CRPS is mostly initiated by trauma and it usually affects one limb, but it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Development does not apear to depend on the magnitude of injury. In CRPS type 1 no damage to the nervous system is found as a cause. CRPS type 2 is characterised by a presence of a nerve injury. The symptoms vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms are burning pain, hyperalgesia, allodynia, muscle weakness, tremor, changes in skin colour and temperature. In its acute phase, CRPS is characterised by regional inflammation and pain. During the course of disease some patients develope tissue atrophy and loss of function of the affected limb. The diagnosis is mostly based on observation of signs and symptoms. Many methods, including physical therapy, pharmacological treatment and invasive approach have been used to reduce the pain intensity and symptoms of the disease. The key to successuful treatment is an interdisciplinary approach. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. More research is needed to understand the causes and development of the disease.