COMPARTMENTS OF THE HAND SKIN

In rare cases, it can occur without any obvious injury. surgery to repair a damaged or blocked blood vessel (once blood is able to flow back into a muscle, it can lead to swelling).

COMPARTMENTS OF THE HAND SKIN

burns, which can cause the skin to become scarred and tight.

a plaster cast or tight bandage being applied to a limb before it has stopped swelling.

a broken bone or a crush injury – this is the most common cause.

Causes of compartment syndrome Acute compartment syndromeĪcute compartment syndrome can be caused by:

speak to your GP for advice if you think you have chronic compartment syndromeĪcute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and ideally needs to be treated in hospital within a few hours to avoid permanent damage to the muscles or nerves.Ĭhronic compartment syndrome is much less serious, but it's a good idea to get your symptoms checked out and have the cause diagnosed.

go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible if you think you have acute compartment syndrome.

It's important to get medical advice if you think you have compartment syndrome: in severe cases, difficulty moving the affected body part.the affected area turning pale and cold.cramping pain during exercise, most often in the legs.Symptoms of chronic compartment syndrome tend to develop gradually during exercise and improve with rest. in severe cases, numbness or weakness (these are signs of permanent damage).intense pain, especially when the muscle is stretched, which seems much worse than would normally be expected for the injury.Symptoms of acute compartment syndrome usually develop after an injury and get quickly worse. Symptoms of compartment syndrome Acute compartment syndrome is not a medical emergency and does not cause permanent damage.

usually passes within minutes of stopping the activity.happens gradually, usually during and immediately after repetitive exercise (such as running or cycling).can lead to permanent muscle damage if not treated quickly.is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment.happens suddenly, usually after a fracture or severe injury.There are 2 main types of compartment syndrome: acute compartment syndrome and chronic (also called exertional) compartment syndrome. It usually occurs in the legs, feet, arms or hands, but can occur wherever there's an enclosed compartment inside the body. Each group of muscles in the arms and legs, together with nearby blood vessels and nerves, is contained in a space surrounded by tissue called fascia.Ĭompartment syndrome occurs when the pressure within a compartment increases, restricting the blood flow to the area and potentially damaging the muscles and nearby nerves.

Compartments of the hand