Exertional Compartment Syndrome Treatment in NJ

Exertional compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure builds up within the muscles that are normally . In its acute form, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery and can cause permanent tissue damage, paralysis, or even death if left untreated. In its chronic form, compartment syndrome can usually be treated with activity modifications and other non-surgical treatment approaches.

If you are experiencing severe muscle pain that worsens with stretching or movement and is accompanied by tightness, visible swelling, or bulging of the affected muscles or a burning sensation in the skin, compartment syndrome could be the underlying cause. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you may be suffering from compartment syndrome, as time is of the essence in acute cases.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our world-class team of doctors is highly experienced in treating both the acute and chronic forms of compartment syndrome. Taking a personalized approach to each case, we are dedicated to developing individualized treatment plans that put our patients on the fastest road to recovery.

Learn more about compartment syndrome and other potential causes of muscle pain when you book an initial consultation at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey. We look forward to working with you!

What Is Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by pressure buildup leading to severe pain within a compartment—a grouping of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels held in place by a firm membrane known as fascia. Fascia is designed to hold tissues within a compartment in place and therefore is not highly flexible. When bleeding or swelling occurs within a compartment, pressure builds and muscles press against the fascia causing pain and discomfort. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can be extremely painful and lead to the restriction of blood flow, oxygen, and fresh nutrients to the affected muscles and nerves.

When blood flow is restricted due to compartment syndrome, irreversible tissue damage can occur as can other serious complications including paralysis and even death. This is why acute compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency. While also painful, chronic compartment syndrome that develops over an extended period of time is usually less damaging and can be treated utilizing less invasive approaches.

Acute compartment syndrome typically develops after a severe accident or injury while chronic compartment syndrome is most common in high-performance athletes or those with physically intensive jobs that require repetitive movements. It can affect any muscle compartment in the body but is most common in the lower leg (anterior and lateral compartments), arms, abdomen, buttocks, and feet.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our exceptional doctors are dedicated to the proper diagnosis and innovative treatment of compartment syndrome and other causes of muscle pain. Book an appointment at our state-of-the-art clinic today to take the first step toward resolving your pain and restoring your quality of life!

Cause

Compartment syndrome is caused by the buildup of pressure inside a compartment containing muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, but the underlying reasons behind such pressure can vary depending on the circumstances. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the possible causes of acute and chronic compartment syndrome:

Acute Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome has a rapid onset and is a medical emergency. It can occur in patients of any age and is often triggered by one or more of the following:

• A severe injury such as a fracture, crush injury, sports injury, car accident, or fall from a height
• Surgical complications
• A severe muscle bruise
• A too-tight bandage, cast, or splint
• The use of anabolic steroids
• Reestablishing blood flow after immobilization of a muscle group

Chronic (Exertional) Compartment Syndrome

Chronic compartment syndrome, also known as exertional compartment syndrome, develops over a period of time and usually flares up with physical activity. It may be caused by:

• Frequent and/or high-intensity exercise
• Repeated stress on the same muscle compartments
• Repetitive motions

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome generally include severe pain, swelling, and tightness in the affected muscles. Certain symptoms may distinguish the acute and chronic forms of the condition from one another as follows:

Acute Compartment Syndrome

• Pain that seems more severe than might be expected from an injury that has occurred
• Pain that increases with stretching or using the affected muscles
• Muscles that feel tighter, fuller, firmer, or larger than normal
• Tingling or burning in the skin around the affected area (paresthesia)
• Numbness or paralysis (late-stage signs that may indicate permanent muscle damage)

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

• Severe muscle pain that is triggered by exercise and resolves or lessens with rest
• Difficulty moving or stretching the affected muscles
• Visible bulging or swelling of the affected muscles
• Numbness (less common in exertional compartment syndrome)

Medical Examination

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our comprehensive diagnosis process begins with taking an in-depth medical history and performing a thorough analysis of symptoms. A physical examination of the affected area comes next and may be followed by the ordering of tests to confirm a diagnosis, rule out other potential causes of pain and discomfort, and/or achieve superior visualization of the affected area of the body.

Acute Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and diagnostic imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI may be used along with a pressure test to accurately gauge the level of pressure inside the affected compartment.

Exertional Compartment Syndrome

The symptoms of exertional compartment syndrome can overlap with those of other conditions such as tendinitis, fractures, and more. For this reason, the diagnostic process may involve ruling out other possible causes of pain. Diagnostic imaging tests are often ordered, but the use of a pressure test is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe or exertional compartment syndrome is strongly suspected.

Medical Treatment

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our highly qualified and experienced doctors treat patients experiencing both acute and chronic compartment syndrome.

Acute Compartment Syndrome

In acute cases of compartment syndrome, surgery is the primary treatment option. A fasciotomy is a surgical procedure during which an incision is made in the skin and fascia to relieve pressure inside the affected compartment. If severe swelling makes immediate closure of the incision impossible, the incision may be left open for a period of time or closed using a skin graft procedure.

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

Chronic compartment syndrome can usually be effectively treated using more conservative treatment approaches including:

• Rest
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Cross-training (especially with lower-impact activities)
• Medication

If non-surgical treatment options do not resolve chronic exertional compartment syndrome, a scheduled fasciotomy may be considered but the condition is not generally considered to be a medical emergency.

Contact Us Today!

If you are living with muscle pain that is impacting your ability to enjoy life to the fullest, it’s time to start your journey toward an active, pain-free reality. The doctors at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey are ready to diagnose the underlying cause of your muscle pain and create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan to help you recover. Learn more about compartment syndrome when you book an appointment today!