Exercise-induced compartment syndrome is different from acute compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency.
Typically, acute compartment syndrome is the result of a traumatic injury causing a similar increase in compartment pressures.
While treatment may be pursued, including surgery, this is generally not considered an emergency.
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Causes of Exercise-Induced Compartment Syndrome
Exercise-induced compartment syndrome is due to a pressure build-up within the muscles.
Muscles are enclosed within a tight tissue called fascia.
This fascia wraps around and contains the muscle.
Normally, the fascia has enough extra room to allow the muscle to function without a problem.
The most common location of exercise-induced compartment syndrome is the leg, in particular around the shin bone.
Symptoms are often seen in runners and cross-country skiers.
When blood flow to a muscle is interrupted, pain can occur.
In severe cases, the lack of blood flow can causeischemiathe same phenomenon as a heart attack.
Before you begin to worry, ischemia of the heart and exercise-induced compartment syndrome are very different!
Furthermore, relief of exercise-induced compartment syndrome is usually very easysimply stop exertion of the muscle.
Often when the symptoms are present, the area over the muscles of the affected compartment feels very tight.
Diagnosis is made by measuring the pressure within the muscles of the affected compartment.
A repeat measurement is then made and the pressure change is compared.
In normal patients, the pressure difference between rest and activity is small.
Patients with exercise-induced compartment syndrome will have a dramatic increase in pressure readings when symptoms are present after exercise.
Several other conditions need to be considered.
The surgery involves releasing (cutting) the tight fascia, called a fasciotomy.
An incision is made over the affected area.
Next, the surgeon cuts the tight tissue that surrounds the muscle.
The major risk of this surgery is cutting the small nerves that provide sensation to the extremity.
A Word From Verywell
Exercise-induced compartment syndrome can be a frustrating problem.
Without an easy test to diagnose this condition, many people struggle to find relief from their symptoms.
In these situations, surgical solutions are typically the most effective treatment.
However, there are some recent breakthroughs in treatment through gait and running retraining that may also be effective.
Other muscles located in the arms, legs, and feet can also be affected.
you might test for exercise-induced compartment syndrome by visiting a doctor.
They might also check compartment pressure before and after exercise to see first-hand how you are affected.
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