Dr. Mir is once again at work with MotoGP riders—this time it was Thai rider Somkiat Chantra from the Honda team who ended up under the knife.
In MotoGP, injuries can happen even without crashes: riding at such high speeds and then braking hard to tackle the most challenging corners demands immense physical effort. This is why riders also need targeted gym training to build the muscle strength required for the sport.
However, training alone isn’t always enough to prevent certain physical issues. One common condition that affects many riders each year is compartment syndrome. The latest to suffer from it is Somkiat Chantra, who successfully underwent surgery in Barcelona in recent days.
The Thai rookie’s team shared a medical update on social media, writing: “Somkiat Chantra has successfully undergone surgery for compartment syndrome in his forearm at Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona. He has already been discharged and will continue his recovery in Barcelona. Thank you, Dr. Mir!”
What is Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome occurs when the tissue surrounding a muscle doesn’t expand along with the muscle itself. This creates high pressure and pain during physical activity. Common symptoms include a sudden onset of tingling, loss of strength, heaviness, and an inability to continue the activity.
To resolve this painful issue, riders often undergo a procedure called a fasciotomy—a small incision in the forearm that relieves the pressure and allows normal arm movement, often shortly after the operation.
Photo: LCR Honda