Signs and Symptoms
Pain will usually accompany compartment syndrome. The pain may be out of proportion
for the injury, especially if there is no fracture. Exercise will cause the pain
to increase and the pain may diminish with rest. Tenderness and swelling may also
be noted in the affected compartment. A tingling or burning sensation may be felt
along with a tight or full feeling in the muscle. After a blow to the area the pain
may begin to dull with an accompanying increase of pressure in the muscle and a
growing numbness. The muscles may be weak and inflexible.
Treatment
Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and should be treated by a physician.
It may be treated with ice, sports massage, anti-inflammatory medications and immobilization.
For cases that are more serious or for those that do not respond to these treatments
the injury may require surgical intervention to heal. The fascia is cut open to
allow the fluids to drain and relieve the pressure.
Chronic compartment syndrome usually responds well to rest from activities that
cause pain. Ice and elevation along with anti-inflammatory medications will help
to control the swelling that causes the pressure. Sports massage may help to stretch
the fascia to accommodate any swelling or growth of the muscle. It is important
not to wrap the area since additional compression will only aggravate the problem.
In extreme cases where the pressure stays elevated and does not respond to non-invasive
treatment then surgery may be required to relieve the pressure and prevent further
tissue damage.
Prevention
Prevention of compartment syndrome involves avoiding the conditions and activities
that might lead to increased pressure in the compartment. Using the techniques below
will help prevent compartment syndrome.
- Warming the muscle properly will prepare it for the upcoming activity and allow
a slow increase in muscle size. This will also minimize the chances of injury to
the muscles.
- Warm packs and heat retaining coverings may be used to warm the area before an
activity and keep it warm during exercise. Warm muscles are more flexible and less
likely to be torn.
- Activities that cause pain should be avoided or limited as much as possible. When
new activities are added to the program it is important to note any pain and if
they can not be adjusted to relieve the pain they should be discontinued.
- Gradually increasing intensity and duration of activities is important. Rapidly
increasing either intensity or duration without an adequate conditioning period
can lead to trauma to the muscles and/or bones and cause injury that may lead to
bleeding inside the compartment. By slowly increasing the workload the muscles,
and surrounding fascia, will have time to adapt.
- Stretching the muscles will help relieve pressure within the compartment. Stretching
the muscle causes it to lengthen therefore reducing its thickness and decreasing
pressure. Flexible muscles are also less susceptible to injury.
Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance,
preventing sports injury and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury. Don't
make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective.
- Strengthening the muscles also helps protect the compartment and the bones and
muscles in the compartment. Stronger muscles are less likely to be injured and they
offer much better shock absorption for the bones.
- It is important to allow adequate rest between intense workouts or training sessions.
If muscles are exercised intensely too close together the stress may cause swelling
and injury. Muscle tears and strains are often associated with inadequate rest between
training sessions. The rest time also allows time for the fascia to stretch and
become accustomed to the increase in muscle size.
Avoiding activities that cause direct trauma to any of the muscles or bones in the
compartment will also help prevent compartment syndrome. Using appropriate padding
and protection will help to prevent the injuries that might lead to this condition.