Compartment Syndrome

Symptoms of compartment syndrome

You can get compartment syndrome in any muscle, but it most often affects the muscles in the lower legs.

Symptoms include:

• severe pain in a muscle - the pain may be worse when stretching it
• swelling
• numbness, weakness or pins and needles
• tightness or difficulty moving the affected body part

The symptoms can start suddenly, such as after an injury or if a bandage or plaster cast is too tight. This is called acute compartment syndrome.

Symptoms can also come on gradually after exercising and go away when you rest. This is called chronic compartment syndrome.

When and where to get medical help

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

See a GP if:

Tests for compartment syndrome

If the GP thinks you may have compartment syndrome, you may be referred to a specialist for tests.

Tests you may have include:

• an X-ray to check if you've broken a bone
• MRI scans
• compartment pressure measurement - a needle connected to a pressure monitoring device is inserted into your muscle before and after exercise to measure the pressure inside it

Treatments for compartment syndrome

Treatment for compartment syndrome depends on whether it happens suddenly or comes on gradually.

Sudden (acute) compartment syndrome

If compartment syndrome happens suddenly, you'll need surgery as soon as possible to relieve the pressure in the muscle.

This type of surgery is called a fasciotomy. During a fasciotomy, the surgeon makes cuts around the muscle to relieve the pressure.

Sometimes, skin may need to be removed from another part of the body and used to cover the wound. This is called a skin graft.

After the operation, you'll have medicine to help ease any pain. You may also need physiotherapy to help regain full movement in the affected part of your body.

Gradual (chronic) compartment syndrome

Treatment is often not needed for compartment syndrome that develops gradually.

To help relieve your symptoms you may be recommended to:

• avoid the activity that caused them
• use anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, to reduce the pain and discomfort

If your symptoms do not improve after trying these things, surgery to relieve the pressure around the muscle (fasciotomy) may be an option.

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