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What Are The Symptoms Of Compartment Syndrome?
Question: I was struck 7 days ago just below my calf muscle on the back of my lower leg. The accident happened in the gym and was quite forceful. I was able to continue with a strenuous exercise routine immediately afterwards. Once I rested, the leg became swollen and painful. About 3 days after the injury, bruising appeared above and below the impact site. The swelling and bruising have now settled in my foot. The pain is not that bad, but the swelling hasn't diminished and has me worried. I can put all of my weight on that one foot without additional pain, so I don't think it's broken. I'm worried about compartment syndrome.I went to an immediate care center yesterday and the doctor didn't seem too concerned...didn't even x-Ray it. Vitals normal.
Brief Answer:
Not a compartment syndrome!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this accident that you suffered in the gym. With you being able to bear weight on this leg, negative findings on Xray and with minimal pains, it is reassuring that you probably didn't sustain a fracture. This means you sustained soft tissue damage alone.
Compartment syndrome presents with terrible pains. This is no compartment syndrome that would permit you to play around and be able to type out a complete question explaining this. I have also taken a look at the image and it is not suggestive of such!
I understand you are in pain and the swelling has not subsided yet. This is not abnormal given the scene that you have narrated. What you need is a good pain management and enough rest to allow for proper healing.
In all, it is not compartment syndrome. Get good pain management for your doctor and also enough rest to hasten healing. Also, keeping this leg raised above other body parts would help facilitate drainage.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
Not a compartment syndrome!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this accident that you suffered in the gym. With you being able to bear weight on this leg, negative findings on Xray and with minimal pains, it is reassuring that you probably didn't sustain a fracture. This means you sustained soft tissue damage alone.
Compartment syndrome presents with terrible pains. This is no compartment syndrome that would permit you to play around and be able to type out a complete question explaining this. I have also taken a look at the image and it is not suggestive of such!
I understand you are in pain and the swelling has not subsided yet. This is not abnormal given the scene that you have narrated. What you need is a good pain management and enough rest to allow for proper healing.
In all, it is not compartment syndrome. Get good pain management for your doctor and also enough rest to hasten healing. Also, keeping this leg raised above other body parts would help facilitate drainage.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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