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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffPeople with chronic exertional compartment syndrome typically experience pain that begins with activity, progressively worsens and then stops when at rest. As the condition worsens, however, the pain can take longer to subside.
The pain and other symptoms associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome may be characterized by:
- Aching, burning or cramping pain in the affected limb during exercise
- Tightness in the affected limb
- Numbness or tingling in the affected limb
- Weakness of the affected limb
- Foot drop, in severe cases, if nerves in your legs are affected
- Occasionally, swelling or bulging as a result of a muscle hernia
Muscles affected
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome most often occurs in your lower legs. However, it occasionally occurs in your thighs, upper arms, forearms and hands. Most people with chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower legs have symptoms in both legs, not just one.
In more severe cases involving the legs, you may develop foot drop, sometimes called foot slap, while walking or running. With this sign, you may notice that your forefoot seems to strike the ground unusually loudly and forcefully, making a distinctive slapping sound.
A pattern of symptoms
Symptoms of chronic exertional compartment syndrome usually come and go in a typical pattern. For instance, symptoms usually begin soon after you start exercise or certain activities. If you continue exercising, the symptoms worsen.
Once you stop exercising, the symptoms typically go away within a few minutes to hours. However, over time, in people who continue to exercise despite the pain, the symptoms can develop sooner, be more severe and take longer to go away, sometimes lingering for a day or two.
Taking a complete break from exercise may relieve your symptoms, but usually only temporarily. Once you take up running again, for instance, those familiar symptoms usually come back immediately.
When to see a doctor
If you experience unusual pain, swelling or soreness related to exercise or sports activities, talk to your doctor because these symptoms may occasionally be associated with conditions that require emergency medical treatment. Don't try to exercise through the pain, as that may lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage — and jeopardize continued participation in your favorite sports.
Sometimes chronic exertional compartment syndrome is mistaken for shin splints. If you think you have shin splints but they don't get better with self-care, talk to your doctor.
