Anterior compartment syndrome is a medical condition characterized by increased pressure within the anterior compartment of the leg, leading to decreased blood flow and potential damage to muscles, nerves, and other tissues which causes pain in the anterior lower leg, which is increased in resisted dorsiflexion.
Causes of Anterior compartment syndrome
- There is usually a history of a sudden increase in training intensity.
- Frequently involving jumping or running on a hard surface.
- Fracture or severe contusion.
- Teight bandeging or cast can restrict thev blood flow to the lower leg that can causes pain and swelling in the anterior compartment of the leg.
- Vascular disease likec DVT can restrict6 the blood flow to the lower leg.
Pathophysiology
The anterior compartment muscles swell, and in some cases hypertrophy occurs. The fascia covering the muscles may be too tight and inflexible to accommodate the increase in size. As a consequence, when the muscles relax, their intramuscular pressure remains high and fresh blood is unable to perfuse the tissues freely. The decrease in blood flow leads to ischaemia with associated pain and impairment of muscle function.
Clinical features
- Severe, persistent pain that may not be relieved by rest.
- Noticeable swelling in the front of the leg.
- Especially in the foot and toes.
- Difficulty in dorsiflexing the foot.
- Skin over the affected area may appear tight or shiny.
Physiotherapy treatment
A physiotherapist always aware to prevent the arthrofibrosis that very common after your ACL reconstruction. Also can manage the cyclop’s lesion. Your Gastrocnemius and Soleus is vital after surgery to prevent the buckling of your knees.
- Initially rest and anti-inflammatory modalities are used to allow the acute inflammation to settle, but external compression and elevation of the limb may exacerbate the problem
- Myofascial release and deep tissue massage techniques can help reduce muscle tightness and improve tissue mobility.
- Stretching the tibialis anterior, calf muscles, and other muscles of the lower leg can help reduce tightness and improve flexibility.
- Strengthening the muscles of the anterior compartment, as well as the surrounding muscles of the lower leg and foot, can improve overall stability and reduce strain.
- physiotherapist may recommend custom orthotics or shoe modifications to improve foot alignment and reduce strain on the lower leg muscles.
What is anterior compartment syndrome?
Anterior compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within the anterior compartment of the leg leads to reduced blood flow, causing pain, muscle damage, and difficulty in dorsiflexion.
What are some common causes of anterior compartment syndrome?
It can be caused by a sudden increase in training intensity, running or jumping on hard surfaces, fractures, tight bandaging, vascular diseases like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or severe contusions.
How can physiotherapy help manage anterior compartment syndrome?
Physiotherapy can help through rest, anti-inflammatory treatments, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, stretching, strengthening exercises, and the use of custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and reduce strain.