Compartment Syndrome: An Overview

Introduction

Compartment syndrome is a condition that is caused by painful pressure buildup surrounding the muscles. Acute compartment syndrome is a condition that is caused by a medical emergency that occurs after severe injury or due to surgical complications. Chronic compartment syndrome is caused by long-term exercise or working out very often. This condition can be treated by changing the exercise routine. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a painful syndrome that is caused by the buildup of pressure within the muscle at a greater level. Due to pressure buildup, the blood flow can be reduced, preventing oxygen supply and nourishment to the nerves and muscles. This condition can result in severe pain. Usually, a compartment refers to a group of blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. When pressure buildup occurs within the compartment, the muscle presses against the fascia and exerts more pressure than usual.

What Are the Common Muscles That Are Affected by Compartment Syndrome?

Some common muscles are:

• Muscles present in the feet.

• Muscles of the abdomen.

• Muscles of the buttock.

• Lower leg muscles.

• Hands and wrists.

What Is the Description of Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome usually occurs when pressure buildup or bleeding occurs within the compartment. As the fascia does not stretch, it can also increase the pressure on the nerves, capillaries, and muscles in the compartment. Due to this, the blood flow to the muscles and the nerves is disturbed. The muscle cells and nerves get damaged without a proper supply of oxygen and nutrients. Permanent disability or tissue death can occur in the case of acute compartment syndrome if the pressure is not released immediately.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Compartment Syndrome?

Some common symptoms of comparison syndrome are:

• Severe pain.

• Noticeable bulging or swelling around the muscles.

• Occurrence of pain while stretching.

• Tightness.

• Numbness.

• Tingling or burning sensation at the affected muscle.

• The feeling of the muscle being fuller or bigger than usual.

What Is the Causative Factor of Compartment Syndrome?

The common cause of compartment syndrome is injury or repetitive physical activity or exercise, which can cause swelling or bleeding within the compartment. The pressure buildup makes the muscle exert force over the fascia. This fascia can stretch to a certain extent. If the pressure buildup is too much, the fascia squeezes against the muscles and nerves. This condition is responsible for the pain and occurrence of other symptoms.

Causes of Acute Compartment Syndrome:

• Usually, acute compartment syndrome occurs after a severe injury caused by an accident.

• Fracture.

• A severely bruised muscle was caused by the accident.

• Correction of blood flow after correcting a blocked circulation.

• Crush injuries.

• Use of anabolic steroids.

• Constricting bandages.

• Sports injury.

• Post-surgery complications.

• Issues caused due to wearing a cast or splint.

• Prolonged pressure that is exerted over arms or legs.

Cause of Chronic Compartment Syndrome:

• The common cause of chronic compartment syndrome is regular exercise. Those who are involved in repetitive actions such as running and marching are more likely to get chronic compartment syndrome. This condition is less dangerous and can be corrected by not following the activity. Some causes are:

  • Biking.

  • Running.

  • Swimming.

  • Weightlifting.

How Is Compartment Syndrome Diagnosed?

Usually, this condition is diagnosed with a physical examination and tests. The doctor will examine the affected muscle and the area in and around the muscle. The doctors usually rule out other conditions that are similar to this one. The doctor will recommend some tests to confirm this condition.

• Imaging Test: X-ray will be used to rule out the presence of any bone fracture.

• Compartment Pressure Measurement Test: The doctor inserts a needle into different regions within the muscle. The machine attached to the needle will be used to read the pressure within the body. This is a painful test. The person should inform the doctor how much pain they experience when the doctor inserts the needle.

• Repeat Pressure Test: If the doctor suspects chronic compartment syndrome, the doctor may do the testing after performing the exercise. The pressure levels will be compared to the levels present before exercise.

How Is Compartment Syndrome Managed?

• Acute Compartment Syndrome:

The doctor will perform a fasciotomy. In this procedure, an incision is made through the skin and the fascia, which releases the pressure in the affected muscle. The incision will be closed after the pressure is released. Sometimes, the incision will be covered with a skin graft.

• Chronic Compartment Syndrome:

Chronic compartment syndrome usually improves if the person is at rest and the affected muscle is not used further. Certain treatment methods are:

• Medication:

Some NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can help manage pain and inflammation.

• Altering the Exercise Routine:

The person should start the low-impact exercise. Some of the people switch to cross-training.

• Physical Therapy:

A trained physical therapist will help enhance the affected muscle's strength and flexibility. They will recommend some physical activities that prevent pressure buildup and stress.

• Orthotics:

These are shoe inserts that help to support the feet and legs.

How to Prevent Compartment Syndrome?

Acute compartment syndrome cannot be prevented as it occurs as a surprise factor post-injury. Chronic compartment syndrome can be prevented. Some steps that can reduce the risk of this condition are:

• Avoid overtraining or performing any physical activity.

• Proper stretching and warm-up should be done before starting a workout.

• The endurance should be built gradually.

• No specific workout should be followed; a mix-up of workouts should be done.

• The exercises should not be performed on a rigid surface like a tile floor.

What Is the Prognosis of Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome will cause severe pain, but this should be manageable once the treatment is started. Acute compartment syndrome does not reoccur once it is treated properly, but this condition must be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage. Chronic compartment syndrome can revert when there is a sudden increase in the intensity of the activity.

Conclusion

Compartment syndrome is a condition that is caused by increased pressure buildup within the muscle. This condition causes severe pain. The main causes of this condition are injury, post-surgical complications, regular exercise, etc. This condition can be treated through medication and some lifestyle changes.