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Compartment Syndrome 

Our bodies are made up of tissues which are separated into compartments by membranes. These compartment tissues include muscles, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins, and other important tissues. If there is swelling in a compartment the tissues become compressed and possibly damaged from the pressure. The leg and calf are divided into compartments and so are the feet. Symptoms of compartment syndrome may include numbness, burning pain and loss of function. True acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency, however, chronic compartment syndrome cases do arise, mostly in the athletic population. These symptoms present themselves during exertion or physical activity, such as running. Diagnosis is made clinically and through measurements of compartment pressures. Treatment may be simple rest, biomechanical control or surgical decompression if needed. This condition has proven to be much more common in the athletic population than once thought. Dr. Scott M. Reich, DPM Foot Care Group, P.A. Wilmington, DE