Usually, the skin incision for chronic compartment syndrome is shorter than the incision for acute compartment syndrome. Similar to the surgery for acute compartment syndrome, the operation is designed to open the fascia so there is more room for the muscles to swell. If conservative measures fail, surgery may be an option. Changing from heel strike to toe running may modify symptoms depending on the compartments involved.Symptoms may be relieved by switching surfaces. Some athletes have symptoms that are worse on certain surfaces (concrete vs.Cross-training with low-impact activities may be an option. ![]() Your symptoms may subside if you avoid the activity that caused the condition.Physical therapy, orthotics (inserts for shoes), and anti-inflammatory medicines may be of limited benefit in relieving symptoms and generally do not allow return to full activity. Chronic (Exertional) Compartment Syndrome The incision is repaired later when swelling subsides. Sometimes, the swelling is severe enough that the skin incision cannot be closed immediately. Your doctor will make an incision and cut open the skin and fascia covering the affected compartment. There is no effective nonsurgical treatment. SymptomsĪcute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency. This is usually relieved by discontinuing the exercise, and is usually not dangerous. People who participate in activities with repetitive motions, such as running or marching, are more likely to develop chronic compartment syndrome. The pain and swelling of chronic compartment syndrome is caused by exercise. If you have a cast, contact your doctor immediately.Ĭhronic (Exertional) Compartment Syndrome If symptoms of compartment syndrome develop, remove or loosen any constricting bandages. Casts and tight bandages may lead to compartment syndrome. Taking steroids is a possible factor in compartment syndrome. This can happen after severe intoxication with alcohol or other drugs. The development of compartment syndrome in this manner usually occurs in people whose brain function is impaired. Most healthy people will naturally move when blood flow to a limb is blocked during sleep. Lying for too long in a position that blocks a blood vessel, then moving or waking up can cause this condition. A blood vessel can also be blocked during sleep. This may occur after a surgeon repairs a damaged blood vessel that has been blocked for several hours. Reestablished blood flow after blocked circulation.It can also happen after overly vigorous exercise that causes muscle tissue to break down (rhabdomyolysis) This type of injury can occur when a motorcycle falls on the leg of the rider, or a football player is hit in the leg by another player's helmet. Rarely, it develops after a relatively minor injury.Ĭonditions that may bring on acute compartment syndrome include: Burning or tingling in the skin or feelingsĬhronic (exertional) compartment syndromeĬhronic compartment syndrome is an overuse injury usually found in athletes and primarily affecting the legs (especially the quads or calves). The associated swelling and potential for tissue damage less severe than in acute compartment syndrome. Altering or ceasing activity may allow the muscle inflammation to subside, but if this does not work, a fasciotomy may be required.Acute compartment syndrome usually develops after a severe injury, such as a car accident or a broken bone.Unexpectedly intense pain in the muscle, which worsens with use.In these cases, loosening the constriction, if done in a timely manner, may avoid the need for surgery.Ĭommon symptoms of acute compartment syndrome are: It can also sometimes be caused by a splint, bandage or cast that is fitted too tightly. Anyone with this condition should go to the nearest emergency room.Īcute compartment syndrome is usually caused by an impact trauma, such as a bone fracture or severely bruised muscle. The condition is commonly associated with automobile and industrial accidents, as well as competitive sports. The surgery, called a fasciotomy, involves cutting open the fascia to allow the muscle to swell without causing additional damage. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to prevent the possible necrosis (death) of muscles, nerves and/or blood vessels. There are two major types of compartment syndrome. ![]() This leaves no room for the muscles to expand, leading to damage to the muscle tissue as well as to neighboring blood vessels and nerves. Unlike skin, ligaments or other soft tissues, fascia does not stretch. When the muscle group within one or more of the compartments swells, it is contained by the fascia. ![]() The leg, for example, contains four muscle compartments, each surrounded by tissue called the fascia. It most typically occurs in the leg or arm. Compartment syndrome refers to muscle swelling and resulting complications.
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