Overview

Compartment syndrome occurs when there is swelling inside a limb. The swelling causes pressure to build up and squeezes shut blood vessels and damages nerves. When the limb loses blood supply, it begins to ache. The ache increases to very severe pain. If compartment syndrome is not treated quickly, it can cause serious nerve and muscle damage and may lead to loss of the limb.

Compartment syndrome can happen if you have a very bad injury such as a broken or crushed bone, a snake bite, a bad burn, or severe skin and tissue damage. It also can develop if a cast or wrapping is too tight. It happens most often in the arm or leg.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow your doctor's instructions about activity during your healing process. If you can do mild exercise, slowly increase your activity. Rest as much as you need to, and get enough sleep at night.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, take an over-the-counter pain medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• If you had surgery, take care of your cuts (incisions) as they heal.
  • If you have stitches, follow any specific instructions you got on how to take care of them. In general, keep the area clean and dry. Follow your surgeon's instructions on when you can get the incision wet.
  • If you have strips of tape on the incision, leave the strips on until your doctor says it is okay to remove them.
• If you have a splint or a cast, follow the instructions your doctor gives you.