Dale Elliott, 37, from England, was kicked just below his left knee during an amateur football match. The kick caused him to suffer from compartment syndrome, a medical emergency caused by swelling within a closed bundle of muscles in his left knee. Elliott, who was taken into surgery after the events experienced, fought the infection in the surgery. Doctors stated that it was very lucky that Elliott’s leg, whose leg turned black, was saved without amputation.
He vomited from the unbearable pain
Recalling his injury, Mr. Elliott said, “I can’t describe the pain. It was unbearable.” That’s when I think they realized how serious the situation was.” Mr. Elliott finally got a bed but was told he had to wait eight hours for surgery. The doctors eventually told Mr. Elliott that he was suffering from compartment syndrome and that his leg might need amputation.
CAN CAUSE PERMANENT RESULTS IF NOT FAST TREATED
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially serious condition caused by bleeding or swelling in a closed bundle of muscles known as the muscle compartment.
It usually occurs on the legs or arms. The pressure can narrow the blood and oxygen supply to the rest of the limb and damage the muscles and nerves in that area. Compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent muscle damage if not treated quickly.
CAN’T RUN AGAIN
Although paramedics were able to save Mr. Elliott’s leg, he had to undergo a series of surgeries after initial attempts to relieve the pressure failed. Mr Elliott doesn’t quite know yet what he’ll be able to do once his leg has healed, but he won’t be able to play football, drive a manual car or ‘bike with his kids’ again
Although the father of two has survived the threat of amputation, his life-changing ordeal, triggered by an amateur game at the end of October, is not over yet. His family says they hope Elliott ‘will walk again’. Elliott started using a wheelchair after the surgeries. Dale Elliott will undergo a three-month recovery and rehabilitation period to be able to walk again.