Compartment syndrome is caused by pressure buildup in heavily muscled areas surrounded by inflexible fascia. Acute compartment syndrome requires immediate surgical treatment, while chronic compartment syndrome can be treated with rest, medication, and changes in exercise. Symptoms include pain, burning, and tingling, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent damage or limb loss.
Compartment syndrome is a medical condition caused by a buildup of pressure in the legs, arms, hands, feet, or buttocks. These heavily muscled areas are surrounded by fascia, an inflexible support tissue. If pressure builds up in these compartments of muscle and fascia, it can cut underlying nerves and muscle cells, causing widespread tissue death and other problems. Compartment syndrome requires medical attention; without treatment, the patient may lose a limb or suffer permanent damage.
In the case of acute compartment syndrome, the pressure has risen to dangerous levels and needs to be relieved immediately. Acute compartment syndrome is often treated surgically; a surgeon will simply open the fascia and muscle to allow pressure to escape, then repair the site once the underlying cause of the pressure buildup has been addressed. Chronic compartment syndrome is a milder form common in athletes that can be treated with diet, rest, medications, and changes in your exercise program.
Muscle bleeding, severe injuries, crush injuries, high levels of compression, burns, and excessive exercise can all lead to compartment syndrome. Symptoms usually include an extremely high level of pain accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation, along with loss of sensation and movement. Someone with compartment syndrome may experience excruciating pain in the muscle that seems totally out of proportion to the injury involved.
The longer the blood supply to nerves and muscle tissue is cut off, the more dangerous the long-term effects of compartment syndrome can be. In the event that acute compartment syndrome is suspected, the patient should be rushed to the nearest hospital and clothing and other constrictions around the site should be removed. If a patient is wearing a cast or brace, medical personnel will need to remove it to treat the problem.
In patients with chronic compartment syndrome, care should be taken to ensure that the condition does not worsen. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the limb that’s experiencing pain, numbness, and tingling, and see a doctor if the problem seems to be getting worse. Chronic compartment syndrome is typically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and planned rest so it doesn’t develop into full-blown acute compartment syndrome.
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