What Are the Major Signs and Symptoms of Foot Compartment Syndrome?

Of all the conditions that can affect your feet, foot compartment syndrome may be among the more severe. Thankfully, you can visit a physician who specializes in orthopedics of the foot and ankle in North Houston, TX, if you feel you may have this condition. It’s actually fairly simple to determine if you have foot compartment syndrome once you know the signs and symptoms. Read below to learn more about this condition, why it’s serious, and how to know if you may have it.

Overview

Foot compartment syndrome is a condition in which the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles of the foot have become compressed and damaged. While compartment syndrome can occur throughout the body, it’s very common in the feet. Trauma, burns, prolonged use of tight wrappings or casts, and bleeding disorders are some of the top known causes of foot compartment syndrome.

This is a very difficult condition to live with. It can limit your ability to walk, stand, engage in hygiene tasks like showering, and perform other everyday activities. It’s important to seek out treatment for foot compartment syndrome as soon as possible.

Complications

If untreated, the tissues affected by foot compartment syndrome can start to swell. The compressed tissues will receive a limited blood supply because blood can’t flow through them normally. This can deprive body cells of vital oxygen supply, and the tissue can start to die off. This can even lead to nerve damage, causing decreased feeling, numbness, or even the inability to move certain parts of the foot.

Therefore, it’s important to get treatment for foot compartment syndrome as soon as possible. Below are the most common symptoms and signs of this foot condition and recommendations on what to do if you experience any of these symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of foot compartment syndrome include soreness, especially when you move the toes up and down, and swollen skin. Keep an eye out for pale skin on the foot, pain when you squeeze or stand on your feet, and pain when you stretch your feet or ankles. While these symptoms individually are related to other foot conditions, such as sprains, if you experience two or more of these symptoms at once, you may have foot compartment syndrome. Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic foot and ankle doctor as soon as possible.

When you visit a foot and ankle surgeon, they will inspect your feet for signs of foot compartment syndrome. Many specialists look for the 6 Ps: pain, poikilothermia (the inability to regulate body temperature in a certain area), pallor (paleness), paresthesia (an unusually warm, prickling sensation), pulselessness, and paralysis. These are the six main signs of advanced foot compartment syndrome.

Talk to a doctor about any unusual sensation in your foot, including lack of sensation, as well as physical changes to your feet. Advanced foot and ankle specialists will then determine the proper course of treatment for your condition.

Visit a Doctor

To learn more about treating foot compartment syndrome, visit Ankle & Foot Specialists of Conroe, The Woodlands. Our specialists can examine your feet and provide the most appropriate treatment. If you need a reliablefoot and ankle doctor in North Houston, TX, call us today to schedule an appointment.