Symptoms and Treatment of Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when pressure builds up within a closed space in the body, usually in the arms or legs, restricting blood flow to the muscles and nerves. This pressure can cause permanent tissue damage if not treated quickly. Compartment syndrome is considered a surgical emergency when acute, but it can also occur in a chronic form with overuse.
Acute compartment syndrome typically results from trauma such as a fracture, crush injury, or severe bruising. It may also occur after surgery, burns, or tight bandaging. Chronic compartment syndrome, also called exertional compartment syndrome, is more common in athletes and causes pain or tightness during activity that improves with rest.
Symptoms include severe pain that is out of proportion to the injury, tightness or swelling in the limb, numbness or tingling, and decreased strength or movement. In acute cases, the pain may worsen with passive stretching and is often not relieved by medication.
Diagnosis is based on a physical exam and, in some cases, direct measurement of compartment pressure using a specialized device. Because acute compartment syndrome can lead to muscle death and nerve damage within hours, early recognition is critical.
Treatment for acute cases requires emergency surgery (fasciotomy) to relieve the pressure and restore circulation. Chronic cases may be managed with activity modification, physical therapy, or, in some cases, elective surgery if symptoms interfere with function.
At Slocum, our orthopedic and trauma specialists are trained to identify and treat compartment syndrome quickly and effectively, helping prevent complications and preserve limb function.
