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SYMPTOMS OF COMPARTMENT SYNDROME IN LOWER LEG PDF

It can even occur after vigorous exercise. It is usually an injury to a limb that causes compartment syndrome and this can be almost any major or minor injury. Whilst this leaflet focuses on acute compartment syndrome, there's some information about chronic compartment syndrome at the end - see the "Chronic compartment syndrome" section. It's called 'chronic' because, although the symptoms come and go, people usually experience them over weeks, months, or longer. This isn't a medical emergency, although the symptoms can restrict people from exercising. Gradual (chronic) compartment syndrome.Ĭhronic compartment syndrome (sometimes called 'chronic exertional compartment syndrome') usually comes on with exercise and gets better at rest. This leaflet focuses on acute compartment syndrome. In acute compartment syndrome, pressure builds up quickly within a 'compartment' of the arm or leg, causing symptoms that rapidly get worse, and potentially leading to irreversible muscle damage if not treated urgently. It's usually caused by a serious injury, such as crush injuries to the arms or legs, or major bone fractures.

Types of compartment syndrome Sudden (acute) compartment syndromeĪcute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. This leaflet concentrates on compartment syndrome that can affect the limbs and does not discuss abdominal compartment syndrome further. It tends to affect people who are critically ill due to injury to their abdomen, or bleeding inside their abdomen, or who have other abdominal problems such as inflammation of the pancreas gland (pancreatitis). It occurs when there is increased pressure inside the cavity of the tummy (abdomen). It is slightly different to compartment syndrome affecting the limbs.

SYMPTOMS OF COMPARTMENT SYNDROME IN LOWER LEG PDF

To download this information and keep it with you, the PDF is available here.Abdominal compartment syndrome can also occur.

Numbness: there is always a small amount of numbness of one side of the wound.

Wound breakdown: can result in larger scars and require further surgery or dressings.

The main significant risks that occur with compartment releases are: Infection, bleeding, bruising and blood clots can occur with any lower limb surgery.

Fully weight bearing with crutch support.

Strict elevation of the legs for the first 10 days.

It is performed under a general anaesthetic and involves one or two 7 cm incisions on each leg and then longitudinal fascial releases. Other than avoiding the precipitating activity the only reliable way to cure CCS is decompressive surgery. This testing is performed by one of the sports physicans I work closely with involves the measurement of the pressures in your legs ( with a needle ) before and after exercise. Often it is suspected on history and the diagnosis confirmed with compartment pressure testing. Scans and xrays can not reliably diagnose CCS. The symptoms only disappear when the exercise is ceased and the legs elevated. It normally occurs with the same amount of exercise every time. Typically patients notice a cramping type pain when they run or walk briskly. In most patients both legs will be affected. The lower leg has four separate compartments all of which can be affected. This condition occurs when the muscles in an enclosed compartment swell which in turn limits the blood supply to this group of muscles.