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Compartment Syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells. Compartment syndrome can be either acute or chronic.
Conditions that may bring on acute compartment syndrome include a fracture, body bruised muscle, reestablished blood flow after blocked circulation and crush injuries. The classic sign of acute compartment syndrome is pain, especially when the muscle within the compartment is stretched, tingling or burning sensations in the skin. Numbness or paralysis are late signs of compartment syndrome. Your symptoms may subside if you avoid the activity that caused the condition. Cross-training with low-impact activities may be an option. Some athletes have symptoms that are worse on certain surfaces (concrete vs. running track, or artificial turf vs. grass). Symptoms may be relieved by switching surfaces. Physical therapy, orthotics (inserts of shoes), and anti-inflammatory medicines are sometimes suggested.
