Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition that occurs when the pressure within the muscle compartments of the legs increases to excessive levels during exercise, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Causes and Risk Factors

CECS is often caused by repetitive physical activity, such as running, cycling, or jumping, which can lead to increased pressure within the muscle compartments. Other risk factors include:

• Overuse or repetitive strain on the muscles
• Poor foot mechanics or biomechanics
• Tight or inflexible muscles
• Previous trauma or injury to the affected area

Symptoms

The symptoms of CECS typically occur during exercise and may include:

• Pain or aching in the affected muscle, usually in the lower leg
• Swelling or tightness in the affected area
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Weakness or fatigue in the affected muscles
• Pain that worsens with continued exercise and improves with rest

Diagnosis

Diagnosing CECS typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Physical examination to assess muscle strength, range of motion, and tenderness
• Medical history to identify patterns of exercise and activity
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to rule out other conditions
• Compartment pressure measurements to confirm elevated pressures during exercise

Treatment

Treatment for CECS typically involves a combination of conservative management and surgical intervention, including:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and biomechanics
• Orthotics or shoe modifications to address foot mechanics
• Fasciotomy surgery to release the affected muscle compartment and relieve pressure

Prevention

To prevent CECS, individuals can take several steps, including:

• Gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration
• Incorporating stretching and foam rolling into their routine
• Wearing proper footwear and orthotics
• Avoiding overuse or repetitive strain on the muscles