Chronic Compartment Syndrome
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems often affect the lower leg. A person may have pain or cramping during activity. They may also feel better after stopping activity. Other problems may be:
- Numbness
- A muscle that feels tight or full
- Muscles that bulge
- Problems moving the area
Treatments
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease pressure. Activities will need to be stopped to allow the area to heal. Treatment choices are:
- Supportive care, such as wearing shoe inserts
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery to ease pressure. This is done with a fasciotomy. This surgery makes a cut in the tissue to ease swelling and pressure in the compartment.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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