How To Diagnose And Treat Compartment Syndrome

Keep Affected Area Elevated

A compartment syndrome patient is usually advised to keep the affected area elevated if it is a limb. Swelling from inflammation and fluid accumulation or edema can both cause compartment syndrome or worsen cases caused by other factors. In a compartment of the body that has high pressure, the pressure inside of the arterial blood vessels is higher than the pressure inside of the veins. When the affected compartment is at a level underneath the elevation of the patient's heart, the force of gravity causes more blood flow to the compartment while there is less blood being pumped back to the heart against the force of gravity. This mechanism can cause the oxygen-poor blood to accumulate the veins inside the compartment, resulting in leakage of fluid from the veins or edema. Both accumulated blood and fluid causes the tissues to swell in the compartment, effectively increasing the pressure inside of the compartment. Individuals who have compartment syndrome are advised not to stand for long periods and to elevate the affected limb to a level above the elevation of their heart when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.

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