Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when excessive pressure is built up within and between muscles. This syndrome can be either acute or chronic and can cause severe muscle damage. Common symptoms of Compartment Syndrome include intense pain, numbness, and immobility. Complications may include muscle damage, infection, nerve damage, and kidney failure. This syndrome occurs in the legs, feet, hands, or arms.
Types of Compartment Syndrome
Acute Compartment Syndrome: This is one of the most common types of compartment syndrome and usually occurs after a severe injury that can crush your arms or legs. Such syndrome is considered as a medical emergency and it can cause permanent muscle & nerve damage if not treated properly.
Chronic Compartment Syndrome: This type of syndrome is also known as exertional compartment syndrome. This exercise-induced condition caused by activities which involve vigorous workouts i.e. tennis, swimming, running etc. This type of syndrome is not considered as a medical emergency condition.
Athletes involved in high impact sports, such as football and rugby, are likely to suffer from acute compartment syndrome, while those involved in vigorous workouts, such as running and jumping, are more prone to chronic compartment syndrome.
Symptoms of Acute Compartment Syndrome
- Extensive pain
- Severe pain while stretching the muscle
- A burning sensation in the skin
- A tight feeling in the muscle
- Numbness
Causes of Acute Compartment Syndrome
Acute compartment syndrome may be caused by:
- Trauma
- Broken bone
- A badly bruised muscle
- Severe sprain
- A bandage that is wrapped too tightly
- Loss of blood supply due to the use of a tourniquet during surgery
- Burns
- Extremely vigorous exercise
Symptoms of Chronic Compartment Syndrome
- Numbness
- Swelling in the muscle
- Cramping pain
- Weakness in the limb
- Burning sensation
- Aching in the affected limbs
- Difficulty in moving the affected area
- Paleness in the affected area
- Tightness when feeling the muscle
Causes of Chronic Compartment Syndrome
- Running on hard surfaces
- Use of braces or tape that is too tight
- Muscle hypertrophy due to vigorous exercises
- Repetitive stress that causes intra-compartment pressure
- Venous hypertension
- A thick band of tissue surrounding a muscle
Acute compartment syndrome requires immediate surgery which involves cutting the fascia and muscle. Chronic compartment syndrome doesn’t need a medical emergency and can be treated with rest and a temporary break from workouts.
Few Health Tips You Should Follow
- Eat a healthy diet to prevent compartment syndrome
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Warm-up before starting your workout
- Stop exercising if you are feeling extreme pain
- Try doing a variety of activities on different days walking, jogging etc.
- Talk to your doctor about workouts you want to start
- Use protective gears
If you have suffered an acute or chronic compartment syndrome due to someone else’s negligence, hire one of the experienced Philadelphia Injury Lawyers or attorneys. A professional lawyer or law firm will help you get the maximum possible compensation for your injury. Get the legal support for your medical malpractice claim and recover fast to get back to your workout mode!
