10 Days Later

I just got back from the doctor's. I am still in pain and needed to go get a check up following the accident. After some poking, prodding and more x rays of my back and legs....I am doing pretty well. The doctor did tell me that it is going to take a while for my legs to fully recover and I need to keep a close eye on them for compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome is an acute medical problem following injury, surgery or in most cases repetitive and extensive muscle use, in which increased pressure (usually caused by inflammation) within a confined space (fascial compartment) in the body impairs blood supply. Without prompt treatment, it may lead to nerve damage and muscle death. This condition is most commonly seen in the anterior compartment and posterior compartment of the leg.

Because the connective tissue that defines the compartment does not stretch, a small amount of bleeding into the compartment, or swelling of the muscles within the compartment can cause the pressure to rise greatly. Common causes of compartment syndrome include tibial or forearm fractures, ischemic-reperfusion following injury, hemorrhage, vascular puncture, intravenous drug injection, casts, prolonged limb compression, crush injuries and burns.[1][2] Another possible cause can be from the use of creatine monohydrate. Past use of creatine has been known to cause this condition.[3][4]

When compartment syndrome is caused by repetitive heavy use of the muscles, as in a cyclist, it is known as chronic compartment syndrome (CCS).[5][6] This is usually not an emergency, but the loss of circulation can cause temporary or permanent damage to nearby nerves and muscle.

Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical treatment known as a fasciotomy to allow the pressure to return to normal.[10]
Subacute compartment syndrome, while not quite as much of an emergency, usually requires urgent surgical treatment similar to acute compartment syndrome.

Chronic compartment syndrome in the lower leg can be treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatories, elevation of the limb,manual decompression and some have even reported that acupuncture alleviates their symptoms. In cases where symptoms persist the condition should be treated by a surgical procedure, subcutaneous fasciotomy or open fasciectomy. Without treatment chronic compartment syndrome can develop into the acute syndrome. A possible complication of surgical intervention for chronic compartment syndrome can be chronic venous insufficiency.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be a useful adjunctive therapy to crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias by improving wound healing and reducing repetitive surgery.[11][12]

Let's hope it doesn't come to that! Man....my excercise routine is on hold too!