Compartment syndrome can occur in many areas of the body, but most frequently occurs in the calf. Your lower leg is divided into four compartments - anterior, lateral, posterior and deep posterior. Compartment syndrome is caused by increased pressure within one, two or all the compartments of the lower leg. The increased pressure within the lower leg compresses against very important structures including nerves, arteries and veins. This contributes to a lack of blood flow to the area, which results in a lack of oxygen (ischemia) for the muscles. The diagnosis of compartment syndrome is primarily based on clinical based symptoms but your physician may order a diagnostic test to measure the "pressures" of the compartments of the lower extremity.Two Types of Compartment Syndrome
- Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS): ACS is typically caused by blunt trauma that causes immediate swelling and pain to the lower leg. This causes the pressures in your lower leg to increase rapidly causing pressure on your nerves, arteries and veins. This is a medical emergency.
- Chronic Compartment Syndrome (CCS): CCS is usually associated with pain during exercise. It is also caused by rapidly increasing pressures in your lower leg but occurs during activity. Elimination of symptoms results when stopping the activity.
- Acute trauma to the lower leg
- Immediate pain and cramping
- Immediate swelling and severe tightness
- Skin changes-may look "black and blue"
- Cramping, burning, pain, tightness or aching, numbness or tingling to your lower leg associated with exercise
- Your symptoms improve when you stop exercising
- Severe tightness of the lower leg with palpation or touch
Initial treatment of acute compartment syndrome is referral to the emergency room for further evaluation and possible fasciotomy (release of tissue to reduce pressure). Treatment for chronic compartment syndrome is based on symptoms. Physical therapy can help with the focus on calf stretching, soft tissue mobilization, massage and activity modification. Medical professionals may also assist in identifying appropriate shoe wear. The mainstay of treatment is fasciotomy or fasciectomy (release or removal). This is a surgical technique used to release the compartments of the lower leg and create more space for the tissues to expand.Summary
If you are feeling that you may have the symptoms of compartment syndrome, check with your physician, local licensed athletic trainer or physical therapist to help you get the appropriate diagnosis and medical care.
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