Understanding Compartment Syndrome

Causes of compartment syndrome

The most common cause is an injury. It's often a major injury, such as a broken bone, crush injury, or severe burn. But more minor injuries can also lead to it. A bandage, splint, or cast put on too tightly can also cause it. In rare cases, causes include animal bites, bleeding disorders, or injecting illegal drugs.

Symptoms of compartment syndrome

Symptoms include:

• Pain that gets worse quickly.

• Pain beyond what is expected for the type of injury.

• Burning or aching felt deep in the muscle.

• Loss of feeling or numbness.

Treatment for compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is an emergency and must be treated as soon as possible. Treatment may include:

• Having surgery to open up the fascia. This helps relieve the pressure and prevent further tissue damage.

• Removing a cast, splint, or bandage. This can reduce pressure.

• Keeping your affected arm or leg level with your heart. This helps reduce pressure.

• Taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines. They can relieve pain and swelling.

• Getting extra oxygen. This can help limit tissue damage.

• Managing blood pressure. This prevents low blood pressure and helps the area get enough circulation.

Possible complications

If compartment syndrome isn’t treated quickly, muscles and nerves can die. Dead muscle can’t be repaired and must be removed. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove the affected body part (amputation).

When to contact your doctor

Contact your provider right away if:

• You have severe pain or pain that quickly gets worse. This may be hours after the injury.

• You have pain that doesn't get better after taking pain medicines.

• You have numbness or tingling in the area.

• You feel weakness in the affected area.

• You have problems moving affected muscles.

• You have new symptoms.