Diagnosis
Other exercise-related problems are more common than chronic exertional compartment syndrome, so your doctor may first try to rule out other causes — such as shin splints or stress fractures — before moving on to more specialized testing.
Results of physical exams for chronic exertional compartment syndrome are often normal. Your doctor might prefer to examine you after you've exercised to the point of bringing on symptoms. Your doctor may notice a muscle bulge, tenderness or tension in the affected area.
Imaging studies
Imaging studies may include:
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A typical MRI scan of your legs can be used to evaluate the structure of the muscles in the compartments and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
An advanced MRI scan can help assess the fluid volumes of the compartments. Images are taken at rest, while moving your foot until you feel symptoms, and after the exercise. This type of MRI scan has been found to be accurate in detecting chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and may reduce the need for the invasive compartment pressure testing.
- Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a newer technique that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood in the affected tissue. The test is done at rest and after physical activity. This helps determine if your muscle compartment has decreased blood flow.
Compartment pressure testing
If results from imaging studies do not show a stress fracture or similar cause of pain, your doctor might suggest measuring the pressure within your muscle compartments.
This test, often called compartment pressure measurement, is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The test involves the insertion of a needle or catheter into your muscle before and after exercise to make the measurements.
Because it's invasive and mildly painful, compartment pressure measurement usually isn't performed unless your medical history and other tests strongly suggest you have this condition.
Treatment
Options to treat chronic exertional compartment syndrome include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. However, nonsurgical measures are typically successful only if you stop or greatly reduce the activity that caused the condition.
Nonsurgical options
Your doctor may initially recommend pain medications, physical therapy, athletic shoe inserts (orthotics), massage or a break from exercise. Changing how you land on your feet when you jog or run also might be helpful. However, nonsurgical options typically don't provide lasting benefit for true chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
Injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the muscles of the leg may also help treat chronic exertional compartment syndrome, but more research needs to be done on this treatment option. Your doctor may use numbing injections beforehand to help map the affected area and determine what Botox dose is needed.
Surgical options
A surgical procedure called fasciotomy is the most effective treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome. It involves cutting open the inflexible tissue encasing each of the affected muscle compartments. This relieves the pressure.
Sometimes, a fasciotomy can be performed through small incisions, which may reduce recovery time and allow you to return to your regular sport or activity sooner.
Although surgery is effective for most people, it's not without risk and, in some cases, it may not completely alleviate symptoms associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Complications of the surgery can include infection, permanent nerve damage, numbness, weakness, bruising and scarring.
Self care
To help relieve the pain of chronic exertional compartment syndrome, try the following:
- Use orthotics or wear better athletic shoes.
- Limit your physical activities to those that don't cause pain, especially focusing on low-impact activities such as cycling or an elliptical trainer. For example, if running bothers your legs, try swimming. Or try running on softer surfaces.
- Stretch the painful limb after exercise.
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:
- Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
- Key personal information, including what sports you participate in, the type of exercise you do, and how much and how often you exercise
- All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
- Questions to ask your doctor
Get copies of recent imaging tests you've had, if possible. Ask your doctor's staff how you can get these forwarded to your doctor before the appointment.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.
For chronic exertional compartment syndrome, questions to ask your doctor include:
- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- Are there other possible causes?
- What tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- Are there restrictions I need to follow, such as avoiding certain activities?
- Should I see a specialist? If so, whom do you recommend?
- Are there brochures or other printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- How soon do your symptoms start after you begin your activity?
- How quickly do your symptoms resolve after you stop your activity?
- Do you notice weakness in your legs or feet?
- Do you have numbness or tingling?
