Compartment syndrome is a painful problem where by when exercising the muscle increases in size and volume by 20% and in some people the connective tissue and fascia don’t expand by a similar amount. This can cause ischeamic (lack of oxygenated blood to service the muscle) pain. Compartment syndrome can present any where however it is most commonly seen in the lower leg.

You can suffer compartment syndrome in any of the four compartments (front, back, side and deep) in the lower leg. When there is excessive pressure build up whilst exercising the athlete usually reaches a crescendo of pain where there is compromise of oxygenated blood to service nerves and muscles. If compartment syndrome symptoms are severe then the patient will be forced to stop exercising.

PhysioPro will assess your running pattern, biomechanics and loading to assess for contributing factors. They will also discuss arch support taping, shoes and orthotics as management options. Manual therapy to release and loosen the deep tissues that are contributing to the compressive symptoms will also help and will be an integral part of your recovery.