Extreme Foot or Leg Pain: Compartment Syndrome

Your leg and foot are divided into compartments based upon the different layers of muscle. There is tissue that separates the different compartments similar to the walls of a house that divide the rooms. This tissue, just like a wall, will not stretch when the pressure increases in a compartment. As a result, the pressure will push against your muscles, nerves and vessels. This can result in extreme amounts of pain, cut off circulation, and numbness.

Compartment syndrome is traditionally a result of a car accident, crush injury or some other form of trauma. A minor form can also occur as a result of activities like running that have repetitive movements, in this case the pressure will build up during the activity and then go away once you stop. The symptoms of compartment syndrome traditionally include severe pain that won’t go away with medicine, decreased sensation, paleness of skin and weakness. When you come into the office the doctor will do several tests to confirm the diagnosis including visually examining the area, squeezing the compartment to see if pain can be elicited.

Once the diagnosis is made, if it is the result of a cast or bandage, then the cast or bandage will need to be removed. If the cause is trauma related, then surgery is the necessary treatment plan. If the condition is treated quickly, then you will have a very good recovery and successful condition. However, if you hold off on treatment, it can result in loss of muscle function, permanent nerve injury, or even amputation.

It is very important that if you are having any medical conditions or foot pain that you get it checked out immediately. With any medical condition, the odds of it getting better with time is slim, but the likelihood of it getting worse is much greater. It is much easier to heal your injury and restore your body to its original condition if you treat it from the beginning. If you or someone you know living in the Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury or Lowell, Massachusetts and you are having any form of foot pain our office staff would be more than happy to help you set up an appointment with Dr. Wachtel.