Veteran actress and television personality Archana Puran Singh was moved to tears after her son, Ayushmaan Sethi, publicly acknowledged her struggle with a rare and painful medical condition. In a heartfelt social media tribute, Ayushmaan revealed that his mother has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition that developed following a wrist injury she sustained in 2025.
A Son's Emotional Tribute and a Mother's Resilience
In an Instagram Reel shared as the year ended, Ayushmaan Sethi expressed immense pride in his mother's strength. He detailed how Archana Puran Singh, 63, suffered a broken hand on the sets of the film 'Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Wala Video' in 2025, which later triggered CRPS. "Her hand is never going to be the same again," he stated, highlighting the permanence of the condition's impact.
Despite the constant pain, Archana continued to work relentlessly. Ayushmaan shared that she shot for 2-3 movies and a web series, including a month where she worked all 30 days without complaint. He also praised her for embarking on new ventures like starting a YouTube channel at her age, calling it "incredible." The reel was a gratitude post for his family, including father Parmeet Sethi and their pets.
Deeply touched, Archana responded in her family vlog, calling it a "beautiful reel" that brought on "happy tears." She expressed pride in her son's thoughtfulness while playfully pointing out that he had omitted his own name from the tribute. The emotional moment culminated in a warm embrace between the mother and son.
Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Dr. Swapnil Zambare, Consultant Arthroscopy at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explains that CRPS is a chronic pain condition that can emerge after an injury, fracture, or surgery, most commonly affecting a limb. The hallmark of CRPS is that the pain experienced is disproportionately more severe and long-lasting than expected from the initial injury.
"In some people, the nervous system reacts abnormally during healing," Dr. Zambare said. Instead of subsiding, the pain signals become exaggerated, leading to persistent symptoms like:
- Ongoing, intense pain
- Swelling and stiffness in the affected area
- Changes in skin color or temperature
This is not due to poor bone healing but is linked to altered nerve signalling in the body.
Is CRPS Orthopaedic or Neurological?
Dr. Zambare clarifies that CRPS sits at the intersection of both specialities. While the trigger is often orthopaedic (like a fracture), the condition involves the nervous system. Orthopaedic surgeons are usually the first to identify it when patients report excessive pain long after the injury should have healed. Early referral and a collaborative treatment approach are crucial for management.
Treatment and the Critical Need for Early Diagnosis
When asked if CRPS is permanent, Dr. Zambare offered hope. While not life-threatening, CRPS can be life-altering if not addressed early. There is no single cure, but timely and consistent treatment can lead to substantial improvement for many patients. Delayed diagnosis, however, can result in lasting stiffness and reduced function.
Treatment for CRPS is multifaceted and focuses on:
- Pain Management: Using medications to ease nerve pain and sometimes pain interventions.
- Physiotherapy: Gentle, regular movement is vital to prevent worsening symptoms from prolonged immobilisation.
- Psychological Support: Managing the emotional toll of chronic pain is an important part of the recovery process.
The key takeaway for the public is to never ignore persistent pain after an injury. If pain seems excessive, worsens, or is accompanied by stiffness and swelling weeks after the incident, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Awareness and early diagnosis can significantly influence long-term recovery outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public information and expert inputs. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
