Compartment Syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when excessive pressure builds up within the muscles of the lower leg. This pressure reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to muscle and nerve tissue, leading to severe pain, swelling, and potential tissue damage if left untreated.
The condition can be acute (emergency onset) — often following trauma or fracture — or chronic (exertional), which develops gradually during exercise or repetitive activities such as running or cycling.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide immediate, comprehensive care for patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, using advanced diagnostics and surgical precision to relieve pressure, restore circulation, and prevent long-term complications.
The lower leg is divided into four muscle compartments, each surrounded by a tough, non-expanding sheath called fascia. When swelling, bleeding, or inflammation increases pressure inside one of these compartments, it can compress blood vessels and nerves.
If this pressure remains unrelieved, oxygen-deprived tissue begins to deteriorate, resulting in muscle and nerve injury.
Chronic (Exertional) Compartment Syndrome causes:
Risk Factors:
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but all forms require close medical evaluation.
Acute Compartment Syndrome:
Chronic (Exertional) Compartment Syndrome causes:
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke performs a thorough examination to determine whether the condition is acute or chronic and to identify the affected compartment(s).
Diagnostic process includes:
Imaging:
Compartment pressure testing:
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to preserve tissue viability and function.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Acute cases require emergency surgery, while chronic forms may respond to conservative care first.
Non-Surgical Treatments (for Chronic Compartment Syndrome)
These methods can reduce pain and delay or eliminate the need for surgery in mild chronic cases.
Surgical Treatments
For Acute Compartment Syndrome or chronic cases unresponsive to therapy, Dr. Burke may recommend surgical decompression.
Surgical options:
Used when tissue repair or scar revision is needed following a severe case or delayed treatment. Post-operative monitoring ensures proper healing, infection prevention, and safe rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation goals:
Physical therapy is critical for regaining strength and preventing recurrence.
With timely care, most patients recover full function and mobility. Delayed treatment, however, can result in muscle scarring, chronic pain, or permanent weakness.
Prevention tips:
Awareness and early diagnosis are key to preventing long-term complications.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Acute compartment syndrome is an emergency that requires immediate evaluation and treatment.
If you’re experiencing lower leg pain, swelling, or numbness, it’s important to get evaluated right away.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for compartment syndrome, from conservative management to advanced surgical care when needed.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering complete orthopedic and vascular care for patients with complex lower leg injuries.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower-leg trauma and reconstructive procedures.
