Final answer:
Compartment syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors including tight casts, puncture wounds, internal bleeding, and swollen muscles, all of which increase pressure in a closed muscle compartment and can compromise tissue function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compartment syndrome can occur as a result of various causes, including casts that are too tight, puncture injuries, internal bleeding, or swollen muscles. These conditions lead to increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment, which can compromise the circulation and function of the tissues within that space. An overly tight cast can limit blood flow and cause pressure buildup, a puncture injury can introduce infection or bleeding that leads to swelling, internal bleeding in the compartment can raise the pressure directly, and swollen muscles due to injury or overuse can expand within the confined space of their fascial compartment. Effective treatment often requires urgent medical intervention to relieve the pressure, sometimes through surgical means known as fasciotomy.