What is Compartment Syndrome?

Although it is not a very common condition, compartment syndrome can be a very serious complication due to a pressure build up in the muscle compartments of the body. Areas that can be affected include the muscle groups of the legs, arms, hands, and feet. Most commonly, it is the muscle compartments of the legs that are indicated in compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is further divided into acute compartment syndrome and chronic compartment syndrome.

Acute compartment syndrome, which is generally caused by some kind of traumatic injury, is a medical emergency, and needs to be handled promptly. The most common causes of acute compartment syndrome includes fractures to the long bones of the legs, deep bruising of the muscles, complications following surgery to the area, or a blockage of circulation to the area. The increased pressure associated with acute compartment syndrome leads to a lack of oxygen to the affected muscles. This lack of oxygen, if prolonged, can lead to nerve or muscle damage, or even paralysis of the muscles. Thus, acute compartment syndrome must be handled as an emergent situation.

Chronic compartment syndrome, while not a medical emergency, can be equally as serious. It develops over a long period of time, typically from exercise, and is associated with pain that is brought on with exercise.

Symptoms of both acute and chronic compartment syndrome are similar. Both involve pain that is localized to a particular muscle compartment. This is most commonly the anterior muscle compartment of the leg, but other muscle groups may be affected as well. Physical evidence of increased pressure is usually visible, such as swelling of the area and a hardening of the muscles when touched. Additionally there will be evidence of decreased circulation to the area (pain is recreated when the muscles are stretched) as well as evidence of nerve compression (a tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation).

Compartment syndrome is diagnosed by a medical professional first by ruling out other possible causes. These include stress fractures of the tibia and tendonitis. If compartment syndrome is suspected, the intramuscular pressure may be evaluated at rest, one minute following exercise, and five minutes following exercise. If the muscle pressure does not decrease following exercise, compartment syndrome is suspected.

If you are concerned that you may be developing chronic compartment syndrome, see your doctor right away. This situation is much easier to deal with sooner than later.

Treatment for chronic compartment syndrome includes rest, especially from the activity that aggravates the muscle compartment. Chronic compartment syndrome is most commonly seen in runners and cyclists. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications will help to relieve some of the pressure and swelling. Elevation will also help with the swelling. Compression is not recommended, as this will increase pressure, making the problem worse.

For acute compartment syndrome, or for more serious cases of chronic compartment syndrome, surgical intervention may be recommended by your doctor. This procedure typically involves cutting some of the fascia, or the stiff connective tissue that separates muscle groups in your body. Cutting the fascia will help to relieve the pressure on the muscles.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com