EXERTIONAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT

Exertional compartment syndrome can come in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute exertional compartment syndrome results due to trauma or a severe injury. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome occurs due to repetitive microtrauma especially in individuals engaging in activities that causes strain and stress on muscles, ligaments and tendons such as in running. 

Symptoms of compartment syndrome usually include: pain, cramping, swelling, weakness of muscles and sometimes even numbness and tingling. 

Treatment for compartment syndrome for chronic cases is to limit the amount of time doing these activities or alter them so they are causing less stress/strain. The runner can try running on a softer surface, buy better footwear or even orthotics to help offload pressures placed on knees, ankles and other joints. 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.