Many professional athletes suffer from compartment syndrome from
time to time. This is a condition affecting a group of muscles in
the leg (called a compartment), caused by excessive muscle
pressure. However, even regular people can suffer from this
condition after a major trauma such as a broken leg or a car
accident. Chiropractors warn that this is not something you should
treat with painkillers and ice, but requires a doctor’s
attention.
Is Compartment Syndrome Really Dangerous?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Compartment syndrome is not
muscle fever or a simple sprain. When muscles are subject to
extreme pressure, they can contract so much that they completely
cut off blood flow. If it is left unseen by a specialist and simply
treated at home with NSAIDs and ice packs, compartment syndrome can
lead to muscle necrosis and even death.
This is one of the most traumatic types of muscle injury, and we
cannot stress too much how important it is to go to a doctor to get
properly diagnosed.
What Are the Causes of Compartment Syndrome?
First of all, there are two types of compartment syndrome:
• Acute compartment syndrome
• Chronic compartment syndrome.
Acute compartment syndrome is caused by a single traumatic event,
such as:
• Car accident
• Bone fracture
• Crush injury (when a heavy object falls over
your leg)
• Sudden return of blood flow after something
blocks circulation.
Chronic compartment syndrome is a result of intense strain on the
muscle over a long period of time. This is the condition that
professional athletes generally suffer from, especially:
• Cyclists
• Swimmers
• Runners.
Chiropractors Explain the Worrying Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome
Not all injuries result in acute compartment syndrome, but you
should always err on the safe side. As for athletes, they are
accustomed to muscle strain and may ignore some worrying signs.
These are:
• Numbness in the leg
• Bulging of the muscle
• Feeling that the muscle is larger than
normal
• Severe pain when trying to stretch the leg
• Tingling or burning sensation under the
skin.
Also, if you feel muscle pain that exceeds the level you have
experienced in the past after a similar incident, you should go and
see your doctor.
How Can Chiropractic Help with Compartment Syndrome?
Your chiropractor will try to assess your condition, usually by
referring you to take an X-ray of your leg. In the most severe
cases, you may be recommended surgery.
However, in most cases, specific manipulations, massage, and dry
needling will reduce the pressure in the muscle. At the same time,
chiropractic treatment will help you manage pain without resorting
to painkillers.
Your chiropractor will monitor your progress and tell you when it
is safe to resume physical activities, including training sessions
for professional athletes. By using safe and non-invasive treatment
solutions, chiropractic is an excellent choice for avoiding the
risk of failing a drug test.
Work with Your Chiropractor with Confidence
Compartment syndrome is a very serious and painful condition.
Many patients tend to become stressed and panic when they are given
the diagnose. However, you must remember that you are (literally)
in good hands.
Chiropractors have extensive training and experience in dealing
with many conditions and injuries, including compartment syndrome.
Based on the severity of your specific case, the chiropractor will
devise a tailored treatment program that helps you heal and regain
full control over your injured leg.
Chiropractors can help compartment syndrome patients make a full
recovery. Do not ignore the signs; if you think you suffer from
this condition, seek emergency medical care and then look for a
chiropractor near you!
