A shattered bone or a crush injury might result in acute compartment syndrome. This is the most typical reason. Before a limb has finished swelling, a plaster cast or a tight bandage is placed. Burns can cause scarring and tightening of the skin. This can lead to compression of blood vessels and nerves beneath the skin, which can cause pain and damage to the tissue. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure inside one of these compartments forces fluid into adjacent compartments. The body then reacts by trying to protect itself by closing off circulation to that area. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to permanent loss of function of the limb. The four major compartments of the leg are: 1. Intra-compartmental - These are areas within one compartment of the leg. They include the anterior and posterior tibial muscles, and the soleus muscle. Compression of these areas leads to pain and loss of function in the foot/ankle region. 2. Inter-compartmental - These are areas between two neighboring compartments. There are three inter-compartmental sites on the leg: the anterior and posterior malleoli (the small bones at the back of the ankle), and the cubital fossa (between the elbow and the shoulder blade).