Symptoms of compartment syndrome after a work injury may include localized pain, numbness, tingling, and impaired motor function. Compartment syndrome can be an emergency, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Compartment syndrome after a work injury is a complication that can affect a workers’ compensation claim. Our Wilmington workers’ compensation attorneys at Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, explain how.
What Is Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is a medical condition where pressure, swelling, blood, or other body tissue builds up in a confined and compartmentalized area of the body. It most frequently occurs in the leg or forearm muscles.
Is compartment syndrome serious?
Yes. Compartment syndrome can restrict blood flow in the body, preventing tissue from receiving the oxygen and nourishment needed to function. In severe cases, compartment syndrome can cause organ damage, including kidney failure, tissue necrosis, infection, or death.
Is compartment syndrome painful?
Compartment syndrome can be extremely painful. The person may feel the effects of pressure in the body, including numbness, tingling, and weakness. Compartment syndrome symptoms can be more painful than the underlying injury.
Is compartment syndrome impairing?
Impairment from compartment syndrome can affect:
- Muscle movement
- Coordination
- Strength
- Nerve damage
- Pain
- Mobility impairment
- Organ function
How Compartment Syndrome Develops After Trauma
Compartment syndrome develops after trauma when swelling, blood, or pressure develops in a muscle compartment.
Compartment syndrome causes and muscle fascia
Muscles are surrounded by tough membranes called fascia. The fascia is connective tissue that supports the body, providing structure and helping with movement.
Ideally, the fascia is flexible enough to allow movement but tough enough to provide structure and support.
When the fascia restricts or encloses tissue and fluids following an injury, a person may experience compartment syndrome. Inflammation that becomes stuck or limited within the muscle compartment can cause painful symptoms and serious complications.
Acute vs. chronic compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome can be acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) happens quickly, often because of traumatic injury or an overly tight bandage. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency.
Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) develops over time, often from repetitive exercise. Exercise causes muscle expansion. When the surrounding fascia can’t keep up with the expansion, symptoms of CCS can occur. Symptoms may improve after activity stops.
Early Warning Signs To Watch for After a Work Injury
Early symptoms of compartment syndrome include:
- Pain. Often more severe than the initial injury. Pain may be localized where the pressure is, but may spread to other affected areas.
- Burning. The person may experience a burning sensation where the injury occurred.
- Bulging. The muscle may have visible bulging under the skin.
- Swelling. In the area where pressure builds up. The person may feel swelling, or the injured muscle may feel rigid or hard.
- Numbness. Including tingling, if nerves are affected.
- Crepitus. Cracking or grinding with movement.
- Weakness. Difficulty moving the injured area. When compartment syndrome occurs in the leg, the person may experience a loss of control of foot movement.
- Appearance. The injured area looks pale or has blisters.
By understanding compartment syndrome, you can evaluate your risk of developing it and monitor your symptoms. If symptoms appear, immediate treatment may be critical to minimize pain and impairment.
Why Immediate Treatment Is Critical
Left untreated, compartment syndrome can cause significant harm. It can result in irreversible damage, including tissue death that may lead to amputation. A person may experience impairment, including paralysis. Muscle breakdown can cause rhabdomyolysis, where damaged tissue enters the bloodstream. Kidney damage may result.
Volkmann’s ischemic contracture may cause deformity of the hand, causing a claw-like appearance. The person may have chronic pain. But immediate treatment can minimize long-term harm.
Treating symptoms of ACS and CCS
Acute compartment syndrome is typically treated with a surgery called fasciotomy. The procedure cuts the fascia. This allows pressure to be released and restores blood flow. If a tight bandage or cast is contributing to symptoms, it can be removed.
Chronic compartment syndrome is treated with rest, painkillers, physical therapy, and activity modification. Surgery may be appropriate if other treatments are ineffective.
How Compartment Syndrome Can Affect Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Compartment syndrome can affect your workers’ comp claim in several ways:
- Compartment syndrome may be covered as an injury and complication.
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina doesn’t just cover the initial injury. It may also cover injury complications.
Workers’ compensation covers the direct and natural consequences of an injury. If compartment syndrome develops, it may be covered.
- It can impact return to work and the ability to perform job duties.
Compartment syndrome can delay the return to work for the injured person. Return to work may include job duty restrictions.
- It may be compensated as impairment.
When compartment syndrome causes impairment, the impairment may be compensated through workers’ compensation.
Impairment evaluates the extent to which a person’s ability to work and earn an income is diminished because of injury.
Compartment syndrome limitations can factor into an impairment rating and compensation amount.
- The claims process may be more complex.
Compartment syndrome can make a workers’ compensation claim more complex. There may be disputes about what medical care should be covered, including surgery. These disputes may need to be resolved quickly when medical need is urgent.
The employer and their insurance may allege a pre-existing condition or may dispute causation. These disputes can make the claims process longer and more complex.
Long-Term Effects and Disability Considerations
Long-term disability can be an important part of a workers’ compensation claim. Failing to account for the long-term impact of compartment syndrome can mean undervaluing a workers’ compensation settlement.
Medical professionals follow guidelines for assessing impairment in workers’ compensation claims. The assessment can significantly impact the disability award. An experienced lawyer can help you evaluate the impairment rating and can pursue compensation for compartment syndrome in workers’ compensation.
Contact an Experienced Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have symptoms of compartment syndrome after a work injury, seek emergency medical care. Then contact Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys. You can get help from a Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyer. Call or message us now.
