Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure develops in one of the body's compartments, exceeding the arterial pressure entering the compartment and so preventing blood from flowing in to supply the tissues. This can cause severe problems including great pain and tissue death if it is not treated quickly. This problem occurs mostly in the lower leg and in the forearm, where the muscles are all enclosed in a soft tissue section called a compartment, with the walls made up of bone and strong connective tissue called fascia. This makes the compartment inextensible and liable to pressure build up in certain circumstances.

The largest cause of compartment syndrome is a tibial fracture, with other causes including other fractures, blood vessel compromise, crush injuries and tight plasters or dressings. Symptoms once compartment syndrome is established are a loss of the pulses, inability to move the part and loss of sensibility. If the doctor suspects that compartment syndrome is present then surgical decompression is the primary treatment. Complications can include muscle breakdown leading to renal failure and Volkmann contracture, an irreversible contracture of the forearm muscles.

A traumatic event is the most common precipitating factor for compartment syndrome in the acute mode, but enthusiastic performance of exercises can show measureable increases in the pressure in a compartment, leading to a diagnosis of chronic compartment syndrome. The nerves and muscles are damaged by the acute loss of blood coming into the compartment due to the pressure gradually rising inside an inextensible area. Irreversible tissue damage can occur after the rapid acute onset of compartment syndrome without prompt management.

The athletic condition shin splints may be related to chronic compartment syndrome, the pain typically occurring in both legs and after a particular exercise period has elapsed. The criteria for diagnosing the problem are specific to particular activities and the problem can now be diagnosed via pressure measuring. The highest risk of this syndrome occurs after open fractures of the shin bone, with closed fractures being much less likely to cause problems. Injuries to the blood vessels can also set off compartment syndrome but this is dealt with by the vascular surgeons who decompress the area at surgery.

Two kinds of factors are important for triggering compartment syndrome, either internal or external factors acting on the area. Wearing clothes too tight and the application of plasters or dressings too tightly can produce the required compression. Many potential internal factors exist such as swelling from a crushing injury, bleeding internally, doing excessive muscle building and fractures. As the pressure rises and overwhelms the blood pressure then blood flow stops, damaging the muscles and nerves and causing muscle death, leading to chemical changes which pull water into the compartment, increasing the pressure again.

The elevation of pressure in the leg compartments needs decompression to be performed quickly or with a delay of six or ten hours there will be widespread tissue and muscle death and significant nerve damage. When muscles suffer damage this results in the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream which can engender renal damage which can be fatal. During exercise there is a volume increase in the muscles, raising the compartment pressures during the chronic type of this condition, keeping the levels high between muscle action and compromising blood flow. Muscle cramps can then occur as they do not get enough blood.

Compartment syndrome is normally managed by immediate surgical fasciotomy, with the muscle compartments being opened to permit pressure release and effect decompression. The surgeons may leave the wounds open for some time until the pressure eases and the local tissues settle.

The signs and symptoms of the acute lack of blood in a limb can be indicated by the leg looking pale, a reduction in pulses, a cold leg and pins and needles and pain. Diagnostically however these signs may be unreliable to establish the syndrome. Presentation may include high pain levels out of proportion to the injury level, giving a deep, aching pain which increases on stretching of the muscles. Significant trauma to the limb should be clear on examination and could indicate damage to the tissues. Testing for loss of sensation may be useful as sensory nerves are more susceptible to pressure.

Feelings of anxiety and stresses can regularly go together with our busy 21st century lifestyles. Whether it's sitting in rush-hour traffic, long days at the office or family pressures, as a society we rarely get time to unwind and relax as much as we should to benefit our well-being.

Some folks can cope better emotionally with stress, however for many it can take a heavy toll on health, work performance and private life. Excess stress could also affect sleep quality, mood, libido, concentration, immune health and weight-control.

Though there are several natural 'mood enhancing' additions available to ease the side- results of stress, a number of these are shown to contradict with other medicines and can also take a number of weeks to show benefit.

A relatively new, clinically analyzed 'stress-reducing' natural supplement called L-theanine, has shown in controlled studies to improve feelings of calm and relaxation ( without drowsiness ) within forty - one hour of ingestion. This soothing remedy can be employed as and when required and has changed into a popular choice for managing hysteria, stress and frightened defects, or simply to calm nerves and help the brain stay targeted for job interviews, work presentations, flying and even first dates!

Where does Theanine come from, and how does it work?

It is an amino acid found in very small doses in green tea leaves and certain mushrooms. Please note, there is no caffeine found in L-theanine supplements.

And it is absorbed easily in the digestion and then transported to the brain where it excites alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves indicate that we're in an alert, yet relaxed and calm state - similar to meditation.

It is shown to cut back the brain's beta brain waves ; too much beta waves are associated with nervousness, anxiety, scattered thoughts and hyperactivity.

Lift your mood : L-theanine influences the releasing of brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. These 'feel good' chemicals are required as a stimulant to elevate mood and feelings.

Study and work performance : L-theanine has effects on the release of brain chemicals that support memory and learning ability. Studies indicate that L-theanine can help can be helpful for those that need to maintain mental lucidity and perform under pressure.

Relax : L-theanine is excellent to help soothe away work fears and ease travels tensions at the end of a busy day. The calming properties of L-theanine will not cause direct drowsiness, though thanks to a more relaxed mind state, improved sleep quality may also be achieved.

Solgar L-theanine is suitable for vegans ... vegans.

Other de-stress tips:

Reduce intake of tea ... coffee - look for caffeine free alternatives Eat 3 meals limiting packaged foods Eat quality protein with each meal to keep blood sugar balanced Increase your consumption of necessary trans-acids Take a b complex with breakfast to restore energy levels and mood Walk for 20 mins every day and target breathing efficiently.