How DPC Can Help Manage Your Compartment Syndrome

Updated on: September 25, 2023

A compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure inside a muscle compartment (a group of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels) becomes too high, causing tissue damage. There are two types of compartment syndrome: acute and chronic. Acute compartment syndrome usually occurs as a result of a severe injury, such as a fracture, crush, or burn. Both acute and chronic compartment syndrome can result in severe pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of function in the affected limb as a result of increased blood flow to the muscles.

A special device can be used to measure the pressure inside compartments to diagnose compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome requires immediate surgery to relieve the pressure and prevent permanent damage to the limb. Chronic compartment syndrome can be treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or surgery.

There may be barriers to accessing quality compartment syndrome care, including high costs, long wait times, lack of privacy, and stigma. That's where direct primary care (DPC) comes in. With DPC, primary care physicians can sell their services directly to their patients, eliminating the middleman, for a monthly or annual fee. There are no additional fees at the time of service for a variety of primary care services, including consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests.

How DPC Can Help Manage Your Compartment Syndrome

Patients suffering from compartment syndrome may benefit from DPC in several ways, including:

  • Doctors with DPCs typically have fewer patients than traditional primary care physicians, which means they are able to provide more personalized care and spend more time with each patient. This can help you build a trusting relationship with your doctor and feel more comfortable discussing your compartment syndrome concerns.

  • The availability of flexible scheduling, same-day appointments, and extended hours is a benefit of DPC practices. In addition to communicating with patients and providing care remotely, they also use technology such as phone calls, email, and video chats. Your doctor can be reached whenever you have a question or need a prescription refill, saving you time and hassle when you visit the clinic.

  • More affordability and transparency: DPC practices charge a flat fee that covers most of your primary care needs. In addition, you'll know exactly what you're paying for and what services are included in your membership. You don't have to worry about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or surprise bills. Some DPC practices may also offer discounts on medication and lab testing.

The Benefits of DPC for Compartment Syndrome Patients

You can enjoy the following benefits when you choose DPC for compartment syndrome treatment:

  • The DPC practices encourage regular screenings for compartment syndrome and other related conditions as part of their preventive care program. Using the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices, they provide fast and accurate testing and treatment for compartment syndrome. If you get tested and treated early, you can prevent the worsening of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

  • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up: DPC practices provide comprehensive care for compartment syndrome patients, including monitoring their symptoms, evaluating their treatment response, and adjusting their medication dosage when necessary. To maintain your health and prevent complications or side effects from medication, they also provide follow-up testing and counseling. If required, they also coordinate with other specialists.

  • Education and support: DPC practices provide education and support for compartment syndrome patients, including how to prevent compartment syndrome and other related problems, how to manage symptoms naturally through diet and lifestyle changes, how to use medication safely and effectively, and how to cope with the emotional impact of compartment syndrome. In addition, they can provide referrals to other health and well-being resources.

Personalized Compartment Syndrome Management in DPC

Individual compartment syndrome management is provided by DPC practices based on your specific needs and preferences. For example:

  • Your DPC doctor may recommend alternative or complementary therapies that may help you reduce inflammation or heal faster if you prefer a natural or holistic approach.

  • Depending on your other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, your DPC doctor may adjust your treatment plan accordingly and monitor you closely for complications.

  • You may receive reminders or incentives from your DPC doctor if you have trouble adhering to your compartment syndrome treatment regimen or remembering to take your medication.

  • DPC doctors may use secure communication channels or encryption methods to protect your personal information regarding compartment syndrome diagnosis or treatment if you have concerns about confidentiality or privacy.

You can improve your health and manage your compartment syndrome better with DPC, as you can see. It is said by Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up.” DPC is a model of medicine that helps you overcome compartment syndrome and accomplish your goals. In DPC medicine, patients are shown interest and respect, especially those who are suffering from painful and complex conditions like compartment syndrome. Visit the American Academy of Family Physicians' or the Direct Primary Care Coalition's websites if you are interested in joining a DPC practice or learning more about DPC.

Published on: September 25, 2023
Doctors that manage compartment syndrome
  • Zeshan Hyder, Concierge Orthopedics in Crown Point
    Zeshan Hyder, DO
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Crown Point, Indiana
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Babak Lami, Concierge Orthopedics in Schaumburg
    Babak Lami, MD
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Schaumburg, Illinois
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Niteesh Bharara, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Niteesh Bharara, MD
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Colin Haines, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Colin Haines, MD, FACS
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Johana Larios Sentiger, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Johana Larios Sentiger, PA-C, MPAS
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Thomas Schuler, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Thomas Schuler, MD, FACS
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Ehsan Jazini, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Ehsan Jazini, MD
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Christopher Good, Concierge Orthopedics in Reston
    Christopher Good, MD, FACS
    Concierge Orthopedics
    Reston, Virginia
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending