Who is at risk for compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a dangerous condition. It can cause death of the muscle in as little as a few hours. Call your healthcare provider and get treatment right away if you have any of the symptoms listed below. You may be given medicines for swelling and pain.

Follow all instructions for taking these medications. Apply an ice pack over the injured area. Do this for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours the first day. Continue 3 to 4 times a day until the pain and swelling subside. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. Keep the affected arm or leg raised above the level of your heart. This is most vital during the first 48 hours after an injury.

Place pillows under the arm or leg when sitting or lying down and at night while sleeping. Was this helpful? Yes No Tell us more. Check all that apply. Wrong topic—not what I was looking for. Sometimes chronic exertional compartment syndrome is mistaken for shin splints, a more common cause of leg pain in young people who do a lot of vigorous weight-bearing activity, such as running.

If you think you have shin splints and the pain doesn't get better with self-care, talk to your doctor. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition brought on by exercise.

It can affect muscle compartments in any of your limbs but occurs most commonly in the lower legs. The lower leg has four compartments, and any one or all of them can be affected. The cause of chronic exertional compartment syndrome isn't completely understood. When you exercise, your muscles expand in volume. If you have chronic exertional compartment syndrome, the tissue that encases the affected muscle fascia doesn't expand with the muscle, causing pressure and pain in a compartment of the affected limb.

Some experts suggest that how you move while exercising might have a role in causing chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

Other causes might include having muscles that enlarge excessively during exercise, having an especially inflexible fascia surrounding the affected muscle compartment or having high pressure within your veins.

Certain factors increase your risk of developing chronic exertional compartment syndrome, including:. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome isn't a life-threatening condition and usually doesn't cause lasting damage if you get appropriate treatment. However, pain, weakness or numbness associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome may prevent you from continuing to exercise or practice your sport at the same level of intensity.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Muscle relaxers are drugs that can help relieve muscle cramps and spasticity.

Learn about the different options. Charley horse is another name for a muscle spasm. It occurs most commonly in the legs. The pain you feel can be intense and can result in muscle…. Find out what causes leg cramps here. Learn about 20 triggers, from…. Want to change up your hydration routine after a sweat session? These great-tasting fluids will rehydrate and power your body — no water required. Stretching for just a few minutes a day can improve performance and flexibility.

This easy-to-follow routine will help get you started. Muscles in your legs can get tight after exercising or playing sports.

Here are four leg stretches to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of…. Toe cramps are usually harmless, but that doesn't mean they're not painful. Don't let toe cramps cramp your style. Keeping your feet strong and flexible can help reduce pain and muscle soreness, improve your overall foot health, and more. Here's how. Cauterization is the process of destroying tissue with electricity or chemicals.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Compartment Syndrome. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Causes of damage to muscle compartments. Types of compartment syndrome.