Acute compartment syndrome

Anatomy: The calf muscles are divided into three groups (muscle compartments) of powerful muscle membranes (fascias) that are partially unremitting. A forward, an exterior and a rear muscle group (which is divided into a superficial and a deep part). Each muscle group has its own blood and nerve supply.

Symptoms: With the acute muscle compartment syndrome there is increasing pain, which is often more powerful than expected from the primary evaluation of the extent of the injury. At the same time sensory disturbances can occur in the toes.

Acute treatment: Click here.

Acute treatment: Off course compression bandage should not be applied.

Examination: The diagnosis is made on the basis of the characteristic history, increased circumference of the calf muscles, which are tight and hard and by a pressure measurement in the muscle compartment (article).

Treatment: With the acute muscle compartment syndrome the treatment in severe cases comprises acute splitting of the muscle membrane. It is imperative for the continuing function of the muscle that this operation be acute, which is, of course, only possible if the athlete seeks acute medical attention (article-1) (article) (article-3). 

Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation is completely dependant on which muscle groups are affected, the provoking cause (blow to the muscle, muscle rupture or over training) and which treatment that has been performed (relief, surgical splitting). The sports activity can generally be slowly resumed, once pain has decreased according to the principles as mentioned under rehabilitation, general.

Complications: Muscles and nerves can suffer permanent damage if the treatment is not started as soon as possible.

Special: Since there is a chance of permanent injury, the injury should be reported to your insurance agency.