Compartment Syndrome
Compartment Syndrome is a condition in which there is an abnormal compression of blood vessels, nerves, or muscles, which in turn disrupts blood flow and sensation. [1, 2] It can occur in a variety of areas of the body, but most commonly occurs in the lower leg area where the calf muscles are. [1, 2] There are two types of compartment syndrome: acute compartment syndrome or chronic/exertional compartment syndrome. [1]
Acute Compartment Syndrome
This condition typically occurs after a traumatic incident such as a car accident, crush injuries, bone fractures, or a high impact collision in sports such as American Football. [1] Acute compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency since restricted blood flow can cause permanent damage to tissues. [1] High levels of pain, burning or tingling sensation at the skin, and extreme muscle tightness are all common symptoms. [1]
Chronic Compartment Syndrome
This condition is typically brought on by exercise that involves repetitive movements such as running or cycling. [1, 2] Athletes will typically experience symptoms of muscle tightness, numbness, or visible bulges. [1, 2] These symptoms usually go away once they have rested after training. It most commonly occurs in the anterior compartment (shins) area, but can also occur laterally (peroneals) or posterior (calf) areas. [1, 2]
Management
Conservative management for chronic compartment syndrome involves techniques to control swelling to the lower leg such as icing or external compression garments. [2] Activity modification is also used to help change the mechanics of the muscles in the entire leg, which aims to help alleviate any strenuous load to the structures in the lower leg compartment. [2] Similarly, foot orthotics can also be used for the same purpose. [2] Soft tissue techniques such as massage or dry needling are also used by physiotherapists in treating this condition.
Surgical management is mandatory for acute compartment syndrome since it is considered a medical emergency. [1] Surgery can also sometimes be indicated for chronic compartment syndrome if conservative management is unsuccessful. [1, 2] This surgery is known as a fasciotomy, which is a procedure that opens up the fascia that encases the target muscle. [1]
If you have any questions regarding leg compartment syndrome or think you may benefit from physiotherapy, please give us a call at (02) 8411 2050. At Thornleigh Performance Physiotherapy, we can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment, to help you get back in action as soon as possible. We are conveniently located near Beecroft, Cherrybrook, Hornsby, Normanhurst, Pennant Hills, Waitara, Wahroonga, Westleigh, West Pennant Hills, and West Pymble.
References
Mauffrey, C., Hak, David J, & Martin III, Murphy P. (2019). Compartment Syndrome : A Guide to Diagnosis and Management / edited by Cyril Mauffrey, David J. Hak, Murphy P. Martin III. (1st ed. 2019. ed.).
Winkes, M., & Scheltinga, M. (2018). Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the deep posterior lower leg. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(19), 1279-1280.