Compartment Syndrome – Most Common Cycling Injury

According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 3,143 adults and children were seriously injured as a result of a cycling accidents in 2013. A further 16,186 individuals were slightly injured during this period.

With the cycling casualty toll affecting more than 19,000 people every year in the UK, the country’s roads have long been a danger zone for those seeking a more eco-friendly and affordable mode of transport.

In the capital, the problem has become almost untenable. Despite Transport for London (TfL) stepping in to improve safety and enhance the relationships between cyclists and drivers, the rising number of fatalities and injuries is becoming a major issue.

For individuals who have been the victim of a cycling accident in London, justice can be sought thanks to London personal injury compensation solicitors.

At Healys LPP, we have represented and provided legal support for cyclists who have sustained serious personal injuries, including crush injuries such as compartment syndrome. We could help you if you have suffered a similar injury as a result of someone else’s negligence.

What is Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a common and painful condition that often occurs following a crush injury. The condition affects the muscles found inside the arms and legs resulting in serious consequences for these important muscle groups, and also the blood vessels and nerves that service these parts of the body.

Known as ‘compartments’, the internal components of the leg and arm muscles suffer an increase of pressure following a crush injury which causes the function of the muscles and surrounding tissues to diminish.

There are two types of compartment syndrome which can occur – acute and chronic – each of which comes with its own symptoms and long term effects.

What’s The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Syndrome?

Unlike chronic compartment syndrome, which happens over time, the acute condition occurs suddenly following a fracture or soft tissue damage. Fractures, soft tissue damage and crush injuries are particularly common in patients who have been involved in a cycling accident.

The chronic condition occurs gradually as the individual takes part in repetitive, motion based exercise such as cycling and jogging.

Symptoms of Acute Compartment Syndrome

As an intensely painful condition, acute compartment syndrome has a number of symptoms, if any of the following is identified you should seek medical attention immediately.

Acute compartment syndrome symptoms include:

• Penetrating pain in legs and arms, particularly when stretching
• Burning or tingling sensation in the skin
• Acute muscle tightness
• Lack of mobility in the leg and arm muscles
• Loss of feeling in the affected muscles

When diagnosing this acute condition these symptoms are likely to be apparent straight away following a cycling accident, however, they can also occur within 24 to 48 hours after injury.

Seeking Treatment for Compartment Syndrome

The long-term effects of acute compartment syndrome are particularly devastating, as individuals may suffer from paralysis, so seeking treatment immediately is important.

The acute nature of this condition means that you may have to undergo an emergency surgery procedure called fasciotomy. Fasciotomy involves creating an incision in the muscle to relieve the built up pressure inside the affected compartments, the incision is left open for 48 to 72 hours to ensure all pressure is released.

Have You Suffered Acute Compartment Syndrome?

If you have sustained a crush injury through an accident that wasn’t your fault and are now suffering from acute compartment syndrome, you may be entitled to compensation.

For individuals who have been involved in a cycling accident in London, we can assist you in making a crush injury compensation claim on your behalf. Please contact our team today on for free, impartial and accurate advice.