(Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome; Compartment Syndrome, Chronic; Compartment Syndrome, Exercise-induced; Compartment Syndrome, Recurrent; Exercise-induced Compartment Syndrome; Recurrent Compartment Syndrome; Exercise Myopathy)
Definition
Definition
Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) occurs when pressure builds up within the body’s muscle compartments. Compartments are made of sheets of connective tissue called fascia. These sheets are under the skin of the arms and legs. They wrap around groups of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When pressure builds up in the compartments, it disrupts or blocks blood flow to the muscles and nerves.
Unlike acute compartment syndrome, CCS is not an emergency. However, you should see your doctor to get treatment.
Compartment Syndrome in Lower LegCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
CCS is most commonly caused by intense exercise.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
CCS usually occurs in people less than 30 years old. Other factors that may increase your chance of CCS include:
- Participating in endurance sports
- Participate in sports that involve running or jumping
- Anabolic steroid and creatine use
- Eccentric exercise
- Poor biomechanics in runners
Symptoms
Symptoms
CSS can affect the lower leg. However, it can also affect the arms, hands, feet, and buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Severe pain during exercise that typically goes away an hour after stopping
- Pain on both sides of the body, such as in both legs
- Fullness or tightness in the muscle
- Tender, aching muscles
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness, tingling
- In severe cases, foot drop—a foot slaps hard on the ground when running
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Surgery
Surgery, called fasciotomy, is the main treatment for CCS. This is done to open the compartment and relieve pressure. A long cut will be made into the fascia to open the tissue and relieve pressure.
It can take up to 3 months to recover. After surgery, you will need physical therapy.
Nonsurgical Approaches
If you are only had CCS for a short time or you decide not to have surgery, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Stop the activity that is causing CCS and rest
- Change your training routine
- Do physical therapy
- Take anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
- Custom made orthotics
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of CCS:
- Avoid overexercising
- Change your training routine
- Avoid anabolic steroids and creatine
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Physiotherapy Association http://www.physiotherapy.ca
References:
http://www.aapsm.org/chroniccompartment.html
Accessed January 31, 2013.
Compartment syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
http://www.aapsm.org/chroniccompartment.html
Updated October 2009. Accessed January 31, 2013.
Compartment syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 20, 2013. Accessed November 25, 2013.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005; 700;1894-1895.
Tucker AK. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2010;3(1-4):32-37.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014