What is compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome refers to abnormally increased pressure in a muscle compartment resulting in a painful ischemic (lack of blood supply) condition. Groups of muscles throughout the body are contained within compartments, which are limited in total space. When pressure within a compartment becomes too great (from exertion or direct trauma), blood vessels can become dangerously compressed, which can deprive tissues of oxygen and essential nutrients.

Compartment syndrome is a potentially serious medical condition. In many parts of the body, muscles (along with the nerves and blood vessels that run alongside and through them) are enclosed in a compartment formed of a tough membrane called fascia. When muscles become swollen, they can fill the compartment to capacity, causing interference with nerves and blood vessels as well as damage to the muscles themselves.

Compartment syndrome is a condition that is characterized by an increase in pressure within the muscle compartments of the legs, arms, hands, or feet. Signs and symptoms are a deep aching pain, tightness, and swelling. Management is ice and elevation. Compression is not used to control swelling because there is already a problem with increased pressure in the compartment. Using a pressure wrap only acts to increase the pressure. If conservative measures fail, a surgery is performed to relieve the pressure. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the affected limb is likely to recover. However, in extreme cases, amputation may be required. (This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern University Athletic Training Education Program)

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that develops when swelling takes place within an enclosed area (compartment), in which muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones in the compartment have no room to expand. Pressure on arteries, veins, and nerves causes extreme pain, slows circulation to the muscles and nerves, and may cause permanent damage to these tissues.

The swelling that causes compartment syndrome may be caused by decreased blood flow, trauma, bleeding, fluid buildup, or other things. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment to prevent tissue death and permanent dysfunction.

Occasionally, people involved in a greatly increased level of physical activity such as long-distance runners or new military recruits may develop chronic compartment syndrome. With chronic compartment syndrome, symptoms are less sudden, less severe, and often improve with rest.