Question

how do you avoid compartment syndrome? What are sign and symptoms of compartment syndrome?

Answer 1

Compartment syndrome develops due to excess pressure on the muscle compartment. This leads to impaired blood flow to the muscle tissue resulting in lack if oxygenation and ischaemic death muscle tissue.

Symptoms include;

- tingling sensation of limb

- pain on movement

- pallor

- pulselessness

- swelling

Most common sign of compartment syndrome is pain on passive stretching.   

Preventive measures include avoid wearing very tight bandage, bands or other kinds of ties.

Check for proper plastering and splinting. It should not be very tight. If pain and swelling increases immediately contact the doctor.

Inprove muscle flexibility with muscle stretching. Improve muscle strength and endurance.