Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when the pressure between tissues increases as a result of a traumatic injury, infection or tissue edema in an area of the body. This can result in blocked blood flow or impaired nutrition and oxygen supply to the tissues. Compartment syndrome usually occurs in limbs such as the arms, legs, hands or feet. It is characterized by symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, numbness, weakness and even tissue damage due to impaired blood circulation in the affected area. Left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, even tissue death.
Compartment syndrome usually occurs after a traumatic event or in extremities that are under prolonged pressure. Therefore, avoiding traumatic injuries or staying in the same position for long periods of time can reduce the risk of developing this syndrome. Treatment usually requires surgical intervention and early diagnosis is important.
What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?
Symptoms of compartment syndrome may include
- Severe and constant pain in the affected area,
- A marked swelling in the affected area,
- Increased sensitivity to touch,
- A feeling of tightness or stiffness in the tissues in the affected area,
- Excessive sweating or dampness of the skin,
- Limitation of movement or difficulty moving the affected limb,
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the affected area,
- Feeling weak or weaker than usual in the affected limb.
These symptoms should be taken into account, especially after a trauma or if a limb is under pressure.
What Causes Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is usually caused by increased pressure in an area of the body. This increase in pressure can be caused by various reasons:
- As a result of a traumatic injury, such as a fracture, crush or impact, bleeding and edema can occur in the tissues in the affected area.
- Microtrauma to muscles and tissues can occur as a result of prolonged repetitive movements or overuse.
- Compression or compression of a limb, such as overly tight bandages or casts, can cause compartment syndrome.
- During or after certain surgical procedures, especially those that require prolonged changes in position, can trigger compartment syndrome.
- Certain medications or chemicals can cause swelling of tissues or spasms in muscles, which can contribute to compartment syndrome.
The combination of these factors, or any one of them alone, can lead to the appearance of compartment syndrome.
How is compartment syndrome treated?
Treatment of compartment syndrome usually requires early detection and appropriate intervention. Treatment methods may include the following:
Observation and Evaluation: First, your doctor will evaluate the symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of possible compartment syndrome. Characteristic signs, such as severe pain, swelling and other symptoms, may be helpful in making a diagnosis.
Rest: Resting and elevating the affected area can reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Pressure Reduction: If possible, casts, bandages or other compression materials can be removed or loosened to reduce pressure on the affected area.
Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Increasing Internal Water Intake: Increasing fluid intake may be recommended, especially to support kidney function.
Rehabilitation: After treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are important to restore muscle strength and flexibility.
Since each patient's condition is different, the treatment plan should be tailored to individual needs. Therefore, it is important for people diagnosed with compartment syndrome to consult a doctor.
Can Compartment Syndrome be Prevented?
It is not always possible to completely prevent compartment syndrome, but the risk can be reduced by taking some precautions:
Trauma Avoidance: Appropriate precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of falls, bumps and other traumatic injuries. This may include the use of personal protective equipment.
Muscle Injury Prevention: To prevent muscle injuries caused by overuse and repetitive movements, it is important for athletes to warm up and cool down appropriately, keep their training program balanced and ensure proper rest periods.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help to strengthen muscles and increase their endurance. This can contribute to muscles being more resistant to trauma.
Low Fluid Accumulation: To prevent abdominal compartment syndrome, it is important to keep fluid accumulation under control. This is especially important in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Conscious Medication Use: Conscious medication use can reduce the potential side effects and complications of medications. Especially careful use of medications that can affect the muscles is important.
These measures can help reduce the risk of compartment syndrome, but they cannot prevent it completely. It is especially important for people at high risk to recognize symptoms and risk factors and to consult a doctor.