Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome usually occurs after situations such as trauma, fracture, burn, surgery, or excessive exercise. In these cases, the pressure inside your muscles and tissues increases, compressing the blood vessels and preventing blood flow. This makes it difficult for tissues to receive oxygen and nutrients and leads to tissue damage.

Compartment syndrome can also result from conditions such as swelling or blood accumulation in an area of your body. In such cases, swelling or blood buildup causes an increase in pressure, which can lead to the development of compartment syndrome.

The most common symptom of compartment syndrome is severe pain in the affected area. The pain usually results from increased pressure in the region and intensifies over time. Additionally, swelling, firmness, and tenderness may also be present in the affected area.

If compartment syndrome develops in your leg, you may also experience numbness or tingling in the leg. This occurs due to compression of the nerves.

Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention. During surgery, incisions are made in the tissues under pressure to reduce the pressure and restore blood flow.

If left untreated, compartment syndrome can lead to serious consequences, such as tissue damage, permanent nerve injury, and even limb loss.

Because compartment syndrome is an emergency, the treatment process is quite rapid. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, during which incisions are made in the tissues under pressure to reduce the pressure and restore blood flow.

After treatment, your doctor will advise you to rest and keep the affected area elevated. You may also take pain relievers prescribed by your doctor and follow their recommendations for movement and activity.

Although compartment syndrome is not a risk for everyone, it occurs more frequently in some individuals. These include athletes who engage in excessive exercise, individuals prone to swelling and blood accumulation after trauma or surgery, and patients with diabetes.

If you belong to one of these risk groups, you can consult your doctor to learn more about compartment syndrome and take preventive measures.

Physical therapy after compartment syndrome may begin upon your doctor’s recommendation. Physical therapy consists of exercises designed to strengthen and increase the flexibility of the affected area. These exercises should be performed gradually and as directed by your doctor.

Physical therapy can help speed up recovery after compartment syndrome and prevent recurrence.

There are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of compartment syndrome. First, follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent swelling and blood accumulation after trauma or surgery. Additionally, avoid excessive exercise and listen to your body while working out.

Compartment syndrome is more common among athletes who perform excessive exercise. Therefore, you should listen to your body during sports and avoid overexertion. Also, follow your doctor’s advice to prevent swelling and blood accumulation after physical activity.

If you are diagnosed with compartment syndrome, you may need to stop exercising temporarily. However, you can return to sports gradually with your doctor’s approval and through a guided physical therapy process.