Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is compartment syndrome disease?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- AWhat causes compartment syndrome?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing compartment syndrome?
- Treatment
- What are my treatment options for compartment syndrome?
- What are the tests that are usually done to diagnose this disease?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat compartment syndrome?
Definition
What is compartment syndrome disease?
Compartment syndrome or compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs due to increased pressure within the muscle compartment due to bleeding or swelling after an injury. An injury will lead to swelling of the muscles and tissues in the compartment. If there is swelling, the pressure inside the compartment will increase. Very high pressure on the muscle compartment can block blood flow to the affected tissue.
If not treated promptly, compartment syndrome can lead to severe tissue damage, loss of bodily functions, and even death. The legs, arms and stomach are most prone to compartment syndrome.
Based on the cause, compartment syndrome is divided into two types, namely:
Acute compartment syndrome
- Occurs suddenly, usually after a fracture or serious injury
- Requires immediate medical care
- May cause permanent muscle damage if not treated quickly
Chronic compartment syndrome
- Happens gradually
- Usually caused by sports that involve repetitive movements such as cycling or running
- It is not a medical emergency as the symptoms may subside a short time after stopping exercise
- Does not cause permanent damage
How common is this condition?
Compartment syndrome is a disease that can occur at any age. However, compartment syndrome occurs most often in athletes under 30 years of age. You can limit your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome?
Quoted from Web MD, some of the symptoms of acute compartment syndrome are:
- Severe pain is even more severe than the pain caused by the injury
- Numb
- Tingling or pain like being electrocuted in certain parts of the body
- Swelling of the muscles
- Bruises
Some of the symptoms of chronic compartment syndrome are:
- Muscle pain or cramps during exercise
- Tingling sensation
- The affected area turns pale or cold
- In severe cases, it may be difficult for you to move the affected body part
When should I see a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience pain or severe muscle injury while exercising. If you have the above signs and symptoms, or have any questions, consult your doctor. Status and condition can vary from person to person. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best method of diagnosis and treatment for you.
Cause
AWhat causes compartment syndrome?
In general, the causes of compartment syndrome are injuries, both those related to bones and muscles. Some of the other causes of compartment syndrome are:
- Fracture
- The cast or bandage is too tight
- Burns
- Bleeding
- Complications of surgery to repair blocked or damaged blood vessels
- High intensity exercise, especially those that require repetitive movements
An injury will lead to swelling of the muscles and tissues in the compartment. If there is swelling, the pressure inside the compartment will increase. Increased pressure on the muscle compartments can inhibit blood flow. This can eventually lead to muscle damage and tissue death if not treated promptly.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing compartment syndrome?
Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing compartment syndrome are:
- Age under 30 years
- Doing sports that involve repetitive movements, such as jogging or brisk walking
- Doing high intensity exercise
- Using steroids or dietary supplements creatine, which can increase muscle mass and water content
- Undergo fracture treatment that is not optimal
Even if there are no risk factors, that doesn't mean you can't get sick. This mark is for reference only. You will need to consult a specialist doctor for more details.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for compartment syndrome?
Quoted from the UK public health service website, the NHS, compartment syndrome treatment options are:
- Acute compartment syndrome
If you have acute compartment syndrome, the patient requires surgery to prevent muscle and nerve tissue from dying. If not treated promptly, this disease can lead to paralysis or even death of the tissues of the arms and legs.
The surgeon will expand the tube of the hematoma to relieve pressure on the body cavity. Usually, the wound is left open after 2-3 days and then stitched together. Patients may need to undergo skin transplant surgery from other parts of the body to replace the skin that is rotting.
- Chronic compartment syndrome
Chronic compartment syndrome is usually treated with surgery. The doctor will cut or remove part of the open muscle (the line surrounding the muscle). The patient's hands or feet can function normally after surgery.
In addition, patients should not do certain sports activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, and must rest after exercising and using medications to control pain.
This syndrome often recurs after surgery if the patient does not change the type of exercise and daily routine.
What are the tests that are usually done to diagnose this disease?
Your doctor may examine common causes of pain before diagnosing pressure in the muscle compartment and your medical history. Some of the tests that doctors often do to diagnose compartment syndrome are:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI
If the images taken don't detect an unusual or unknown cause of pain, the doctor may measure the pressure inside the muscle compartment. This is the last method for diagnosing chronic compartment syndrome.
In a manometric type cavity, the doctor will press and measure the patient's body cavity. This procedure causes mild pain and requires placing a metal in the patient's body to be measured.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat compartment syndrome?
Some of the lifestyle changes that can help with the treatment process for compartment syndrome are:
- Always warm up before exercising
- Stretch before exercise that involves repetitive movements, such as running
- Take a break after exercising
- Take pain relievers as directed by your doctor
- Get optimal fracture treatment and recovery
- Follow the doctor's instructions for postoperative healing and preventing recurrence of the disease.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
