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Compartment syndrome is a serious medical condition that results from increased pressure within the compartment of the muscles. It is associated with pain and could ultimately lead to the tissue death (necrosis) if left untreated.
There are small compartments in muscles located in the legs, arms, and abdomen. These compartments are covered by a thick layer known as fascia, which prevents the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves from displacing from their location. Whenever there is damage to the compartment due to any bleeding or swelling, excessive pressure builds up in that area. This pressure restricts blood flow in the affected tissue, ultimately leading to permanent damage.
Compartment syndrome could be classified into two major types: acute compartment syndrome and chronic compartment syndrome.
Acute Compartment Syndrome is the most common form of compartment syndrome and is considered a medical emergency. The condition usually manifests after a few hours or some days after the injury. Regardless, immediate treatment is needed in order to prevent permanent damage of the affected tissue.
The following may causes Acute Compartment Syndrome:
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome results from an injury to the abdomen, surgery, sepsis, ascites (accumulation of fluid), or vigorous abdominal exercises. This condition could damage the vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys, as it restricts blood flow in these organs.
A patient with ACS presents with one or multiple symptoms that usually appear immediately after the injury. Extreme pain is the earliest symptom of the condition. This pain is generally more acute than expected and worsens when the affected muscle is stretched. Typical symptoms of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome include abdominal bloating, abdominal distension, difficulty in breathing, a increased heart rate, less urine production, and low blood pressure. Other symptoms of ACS, such as the following, may also appear:
Chronic Compartment Syndrome, also known as Exertional Compartment Syndrome, is a condition that results from the long-term use of the muscles. The lower extremities, such as the legs, buttock, and thigh, are mostly involved in CCS. This condition usually affects athletes and individuals above 30 years of age; however, in some cases, it also presents in younger individuals. Although Chronic Compartment Syndrome is not a medical emergency, a timely treatment is required to treat the condition in order to prevent any further damage to the affected tissue.
Below are some causes of Chronic Compartment Syndrome:
In order to be diagnosed with Chronic Compartment Syndrome, the patient should have one or more of the following:
Pain due to CCS follows a pattern. It usually starts at a specific time post-exercise and aggravates after the activity. The pain usually subsides 10 to 20 minutes after the exercise. It relieves further once the individual stops the activity; however, symptoms may reappear once it the activity is resumed.
Chronic Compartment Syndrome is often misinterpreted as shin splints, another major cause of leg pain in athletes; however, patients must seek professional advice when onset of CCS is suspected. Corrective action must be taken at the right time to avoid any further damage to the affected area.