Quad Cities Orthopaedic Surgeon Discusses Minimally Invasive Arm Pump Surgery

DAVENPORT, IA--(Marketwired - Aug 24, 2016) - Chronic exertional compartment syndrome, or CECS, is a muscle and nerve condition that typically occurs as a result of repetitive stress through athletic exertion. Dr. Tyson Cobb, an orthopaedic surgeon in the Quad Cities area, explains that CECS may develop in the forearms of competitive motocross riders, who are then at greater risk of crashing as a result of the symptoms. He says this concern, colloquially known as "arm pump," can often be addressed with a surgical procedure that offers excellent results without the need for the patient to give up the sport.

Arm pump, Dr. Cobb explains, causes a wide range of side effects, including severe pain, swelling, numbness, cramping, and weakness in the forearms. As a result, he says riders with this condition may have a reduced ability to brake, shift gears, or otherwise operate their bikes effectively. Non-surgical treatments for CECS are available, but the Quad Cities area surgeon says that they require rest and behavior modification -- something many professional athletes cannot do without losing their ranking.

Dr. Cobb says arm pump surgery is commonly recommended to treat CECS of the arms for multiple reasons, one of which is the potential for the patient to regain full function and improved performance in competitions. He says successful surgery also means that riders should be able to return to racing. Minimally invasive techniques, he adds, can also help to reduce recovery time with most patients returning to riding within a week or two after surgery.

Arm pump surgery typically involves fasciotomy, which opens up the fascia (the inelastic tissue that surrounds each compartment of muscle) to reduce pressure on the affected muscles and nerves.

Dr. Cobb emphasizes that arm pump surgery is not for everyone, and that a patient experiencing the symptoms of CECS should discuss their concerns with a qualified physician. He says a thorough evaluation will be necessary to develop a customized treatment plan that best suits the individual's needs, goals, and athletic activities. 

About Tyson Cobb, MD
The Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Orthopaedic Specialists, PC, Dr. Tyson Cobb is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from the Texas Tech School of Medicine, after which he completed a five-year orthopaedic residency at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Cobb also completed a Fellowship in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the University of Texas. A member of several prestigious medical organizations, Dr. Cobb is also considered a pioneer in minimally invasive orthopaedic techniques. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Cobb and his practice, please visit osquadcities.com and facebook.com/osquadcities.

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