HealthLife.com
HealthLife.com » Health » Flexibility
HEALTH

Compartment Syndrome

By Brad Walker
Flexibility Expert
Updated: November 15, 2008
Acute compartment syndrome results from trauma to the muscle or bone in the compartment. This trauma leads to bleeding inside the compartment. As the blood builds up in the compartment, with nowhere to go, the pressure increases. Because this happens at a fairly rapid rate (sometimes within minutes, other times over a period of hours) the pressure can build to a high level and cause serious damage to the nerves and blood vessels.

Chronic compartment syndrome is usually the result of overuse. The muscle becomes inflamed and swells over time and with rest returns to near normal. This causes pressures that are high at times and this high pressure over time can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerve tissue. The longer the pressure is elevated the more damage results.

The Anatomy Involved With Compartment Syndrome

To better understand compartment syndrome, it's a good idea to have some knowledge of the anatomy involved. The anterior compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallicus longus, and the peroneus tertius muscles and is bordered by the tibia and fibula. The superficial posterior compartment covers the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles and is behind the tibia and fibula. The deep posterior compartment is tucked in between the tibia and fibula and contains the flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallicus longus, popliteus and the tibialis posterior. Also running through this compartment are the posterior tibial artery and vein along with the tibial nerve.
Continue Article Below

Acute compartment syndrome involves a trauma to the muscle or bone within any of these compartments. The trauma then causes bleeding or swelling and increases the internal pressure. Since the fascia around the muscle cannot expand enough to accommodate the increase in size, the pressure will rise. Since there is no way for the pressure to release it will continue to rise until the tissues are destroyed. Acute compartment syndrome may also occur post-surgery from a blood flow blockage, or even rapid muscle growth from anabolic steroid use.

Chronic compartment syndrome results from overuse or repetitive stresses to the muscle inside the compartment. When a muscle is worked it becomes engorged with blood causing it to swell. When minor trauma from overwork or repetitive stresses causes the muscle to continue to swell it may become too large for the surrounding fascia thereby increasing the pressure in the compartment. This pressure will begin to diminish after the exercise is stopped, although it may stay up for some time after.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Acute compartment syndrome occurs with trauma to the structures in the compartment.

Any of the following may be a cause;

- Fracture to the bone
- Tearing of the muscle
- Crush injury
- Blood flow blockage; due to injury or clots
- Post-surgical swelling or bleeding
- Anabolic steroid use
- Extreme increase in activity level; increases mileage or speed workouts too quickly

Chronic compartment syndrome results from repetitive trauma and overuse. The following are possible causes:

- Running; especially on hard surfaces or a change of surface
- Use of braces, wrapping or taping that is too tight
- Muscle hypertrophy due to exercise without the accompanying fascia expansion
- Repetitive stress that results in intra-compartment pressure not returning to normal during rest

Free Profile
Age: Current Weight:
Height: ft in Target Weight:
Sex:
 
Free Profile
Related Flexibility Articles
The Basics of PNF Stretching
Posted on December 10, 2008
Preventing Shin Splints
Posted on December 10, 2008
Ankle Sprains
Posted on November 15, 2008
Sponsor Links