Does anyone know anything about Compartment Syndrome. ??

Question

Ive been on yahoo answers a few times tryin to figure out y my legs feel numb and tingling doctor says it may be compartment syndrome. I DO NOT want my legs cut open is there any information anyone can give me???

Answer 1

The symptoms look like something is definitely compressing a nerve, but compartment syndrome isn't the only thing that causes nerve compression. To determine whether or not this is compartment syndrome, a doc would need to know your lifestyle and pattern of physical activity, how the symptoms started, if the symptoms come and go, as well as the specific nerves involved. The doc needs to trace the routes of the tingling to see what nerves are involved, and where the involvement starts or stops, You might consider making an appointment with another doctor such as a neurologist. Without knowing more about your situation, it is possible that in addition to compartment syndrome as a possible cause, your nerve could being pinched at a joint or at the spine. In the mean time, you need to stop doing any activities that aggravate the problem, as much as possible.

One alternative is to visit a chiropractor to see if the tingling and numbness can be relieved through manipulation of joints or the spine. Then, if this approach doesn't help, follow up with the neurologist.

Answer 2

Unfortunately if it IS compartment syndrome, the ONLY treatment for it is surgery. It involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels within an enclosed space. This leads to decreased blood flow and muscle and nerve damage. Swelling leading to compartment syndrome is associated with high-energy trauma, like a car accident or crush injury, or sometimes surgery itself.It can also occur due to tight bandages or casts. Also with significant swelling, pressure will build up and can cause compartment syndrome. Chronic compartment syndrome can be caused by repetitive activities like running that increase the pressure in a compartment only during that activity. The cardinal symptom of compartment syndrome is severe pain that does not respond to elevation or pain medication. In more advanced cases, there may be decreased sensation, weakness, and paleness of the skin.

Typically, severe pain will occur when a muscle running through a compartment is passively moved (meaning moved by someone else and not on your own). The test that will absolutely diagnose it involves directly measuring the pressure in the compartment by inserting a needle attached to a pressure meter into the compartment. When the compartment pressure is greater than 45 mmHg or when the pressure is within 30 mmHg of the diastolic blood pressure (the lower number of the blood pressure).

If it IS compartment syndrom and you don't have it treated, you'll lose circulation to the limb and then the only cure is AMPUTATION. So surgery vs. having no legs. You be the judge.

Answer 3

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that results when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This prevents nourishment from reaching nerve and muscle cells. Muscle groups in the arms, hands, legs, feet and buttocks can be affected. Within these muscle groups are nerves and blood vessels. They are covered by tough membrane (fascia), which does not readily expand. The whole unit is called a compartment. If pressure within the compartment gets too high (for example, from too much swelling or bleeding after surgery or injury), it can damage blood vessels and nerve and muscle cells.

Compartment syndrome can be either acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, loss of limb or death. Chronic compartment syndrome is not a medical emergency.

Answer 4

1