How do i know if i have compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome: The hallmark signs of acute/early compartment syndrome are: -pain out of proportion to the injury -firmness of the muscle compartment -pain with squeezing of the compartment -pain with passive stretch of the muscles in the compartment -decreased sensation this is a surgical emergency and without emergent decompression can cause loss of limb function.

See a doctor.: There is an invasive procedure to measure the pressures within the compartment with a catheter. See a vascular or orthopedic surgeon. Vascular abnormaliites can be a source of symptoms of compartment syndrome especially in runners.

From shin splint....: To more serious. Most exercise related shin splints can be managed with rest, your doc, as an outpatient. Traumatic or revascularization compartments require more urgent interventions and carry risk for limb loss. The pressure in the compartment, and the clinical findings of nerve dysfunction, ischemia also help make the diagnosis.

Pain: Compartment syndrome produces extreme dibiltating pain in the leg associated with swelling. If it progresses it will cause loss of blood supply and possible permanent nerve injury. It is always an emergency situation and requires immediate medical attention.

Compartment syndrome: The only reliable test is a Stryker device inserted into the compartment to measure intercompartmental pressure. The symptoms usually include pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesias and paresis/paralysis and may need surgical decompression via fasciotomy. Done to preserve function by re-establishing blood flow and preventing muscle/nerve destruction. Obviously a potentially serious state.