The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is chronic compartment syndrome? " � Chronic compartment syndrome (also called "chronic exertional compartment syndrome " � or "CECS " �) is a condition that causes muscle pain with exercise. � �
A "compartment " � is a group of muscles. Each group of muscles in the body is surrounded by a strong band of tissue called "fascia. " � In CECS, too much pressure builds up in a muscle compartment. This causes symptoms. � �
CECS can happen in people who exercise, especially runners. CECS usually affects a muscle compartment in the lower leg (calf). � �
What are the symptoms of chronic compartment syndrome? " � CECS causes muscle pain with exercise. The pain is usually in both legs and starts within 20 to 30 minutes of exercising. The pain can feel like an ache, squeeze, cramp, or tight muscle. The pain goes away with rest, usually within 15 to 30 minutes after stopping the exercise. � �
Besides pain, CECS can also cause: � �
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
Is there anything I can do on my own to prevent these symptoms? " � Yes. There are different things you can try to prevent these symptoms when you exercise. You can: � �
- Run on a softer surface.
- Wear cushioned shoe inserts in your sneakers.
- Run less or not at all and do other kinds of exercise (such as swimming or biking) instead.
- Ice the painful area right after you exercise. Try to put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the area within the first hour after exercising. Then repeat this every 4 to 6 hours, for 15 minutes each time, if the area still feels tight or painful.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. If you try the tips above but still have symptoms when you exercise, see your doctor or nurse. � �
Is there a test for chronic compartment syndrome? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. � �
The only way your doctor can tell for sure if you have CECS is to do a test that measures your compartment pressure. Doctors can use different devices to measure compartment pressure. But in general, the test involves putting a thin needle or tube into your muscle. Your doctor will measure your compartment pressure before and after you exercise. � �
How is chronic compartment syndrome treated? " � One option for treatment is to simply stop the activity that causes CECS. Another option is surgery. Doctors can do 2 different types of surgery to treat CECS: � �
- Fasciotomy " � This involves cutting open the fascia.
- Fasciectomy " � This involves removing pieces of fascia.
Both of these surgeries help prevent too much pressure from building up again in the compartment. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 82914 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
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