Anterior Compartment Syndrome

Anterior shin splints

What is a Anterior compartment syndrome?

The tibialis anterior is the big muscle on the outside of the shin, it is surrounded by a sheath. When this muscle gets too big for the sheath, it causes pain and anterior compartment syndrome arises. Compartment syndromes can be acute or chronic.

What are the causes of acute anterior compartment syndrome?

• Bleeding in the compartment (this will cause swelling) normally caused by an impact.
• A tear in the muscle causing bleeding.
• Swelling caused by over use.

What are the symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome?

• If caused by a blow there will obviously be a sharp pain in the muscle on the outside of the lower leg at that point.
• Weakness when trying to pull the foot upwards against resistance.
• The tibialis anterior may be swollen and tender.
• Pain when the foot and toes are bent downwards.

What causes chronic anterior compartment syndrome?

• Over use and over developing the muscle through training.
• When exercising the blood vessels fill up, increasing pressure on the sheath and causing pain.
• The sheath becomes inelastic and unable to expand.

What are the symptoms of chronic compatment syndrome?

• Pain which increases during exercise which eventually makes running impossible.
• Pain goes after a short rest but comes back again during exercise.
• Difficulty in lifting the toes and foot up.
• Pain when pulling the toes and foot downwards.

Useful Products:

• Hot and cold therapy wraps - helps reduce pain and inflammation reducing pressure in the muscle compartment.
• Shin supports - Retains heat and provides compression to the lower leg.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Anterior Compartment Syndrome