Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a serious illness which occurs when there is a huge amount of pressure inside a muscle compartment.

The compartment is made up of groups of muscle tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the hands and feet, surrounded by a very strong membrane known as the fascia. This fascia does not expand, so swelling in the compartment can cause increased pressure inside the compartment. This causes injury to the muscles, blood vessels and nerves within the compartment.

The increase in the pressure can reduce blood flow to the compartment. This can lead to oxygen loss in the tissues (ischemia) and death of cells (necrosis).

Causes of Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome may be acute or chronic.

1. Acute Compartment syndrome. This usually occurs as a result of a serious injury such as a car accident or a broken bone. It can develop after fewer injuries but it is not common.

One of the likely causes of acute compartment syndrome is when the flow of blood is restored after blocked circulation. This can happen after the surgeon repaired a damaged blood vessel that was blocked for several hours. Too much lying in the same position can also block blood vessels, although most people will change position while sleeping. Below are some other possible causes:

• Fracture
• Badly bruised muscle
• Crush injuries
• Anabolic steroid use
• Casts or bandages that are too tight
• Burns
• Trail runner

2. Chronic compartment syndrome. The chronic compartmental syndrome is characterized by pain and swelling and it usually occurs as a result of exercise.

It is more likely that recurrent movement activities cause chronic compartment syndrome, including:

• Running
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Elliptical training

It has been found that this type of compartment syndrome usually occurs during or just after exercise.

Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome

Below are some symptoms of compartment syndrome:

Pain: Pain is the most common sign that people describe as extreme and out of proportion to the injury. It is persistent, progressive and does not stop. This is aggravated by touch, pressure, and elevation and stretching.

Passive stretching: muscles that are deficient in blood are very sensitive to stretching so stretching of the affected limbs causes’ extreme pain.

Paresthesia: This is a strange sensation, such as tingling or pricking, sometimes called pins and needles.

Pallor: the affected limbs may be a pale or dusky color due to lack of blood.

Pulse: There may be weak or no pulse in the affected compartment.

Compartment Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for Compartment Syndrome requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in the painful area. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil