Understanding The Causes For Compartment Syndrome

By Grant Law Office on September 27, 2016

Car accidents and personal injuries are a frequent occurrence in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Most resulting injuries can be easily treated, however, some have more serious consequences. When excess pressure builds up inside an area of the body and affects circulation, the resulting condition is called compartment syndrome. When compartment syndrome gets especially bad, it may require surgery to prevent permanent injury. It can be extremely painful and has potential to cause permanent damage to affected body parts.

The two main classifications of compartment syndrome are acute and chronic. Acute compartment syndrome is commonly caused by traumatic injuries like car accidents. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is typically caused by excessive exercise. Extreme and lengthy periods of exercise can cause a buildup of pressure in the affected part of the body, depriving the muscles of oxygen. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome can be relieved by operative and non-operative measures. Non-operative measures are typically only successful if the exercise that originally caused the problem is ceased or reduced greatly.

Both types of the condition are serious, however, acute compartment syndrome demands more urgency in treatment. Being as a traumatic injury usually causes acute compartment syndrome, the desperate necessity of treatment can be easily understood. Some symptoms of acute compartment syndrome are:

• Consistent and deep throbbing pain in a specific part of the body
• Paresthesia, or numbness (often referred to as a “pins and needles” sensation)
• Paralysis of the affected body part can occur, however this usually happens late in the formation of the condition
• Excessive swelling often occurs, and is sometimes accompanied by the skin’s bruising or turning a shiny hue

The first of these symptoms to occur is typically a feeling of numbness or tingling in the affected body part. Patients report the sensation of a limb “falling asleep” early in the process as an indication of a lack of blood flow in the area.

Acute compartment syndrome is a very serious condition and almost always requires surgical intervention. The process of recovering from this condition can be costly, painful, and time consuming. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome can be perceived as less serious, however it can also carry serious and life changing consequences.

If you, or a loved one, believe you may be experiencing symptoms of compartment syndrome, you are encouraged to contact a medical professional immediately. If the condition has resulted from a work injury, car accident, or personal injury, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. A legal matter like this should always be undertaken with the help of a qualified attorney. If you have any questions, or believe you are owed compensation for an injury like this, please contact the Atlanta personal injury lawyers at the Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955.