Fascia is a very strong layer of tissue that surrounds a group of muscles. The fascia forms an enclosure around the muscles, called a compartment. A person with compartment syndrome has increased pressure inside a muscle compartment. This results in decreased blood flow to the muscles and nerves in the compartment, which can destroy the muscle and nerve tissue.

Symptoms include severe pain, numbness and weakness. Compartment syndrome most commonly occurs in the arm or leg.