Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

What is Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome?

The lower leg, a vital part of your body’s mobility, is intricately divided into four compartments, each playing a unique role. For individuals in Baulkham Hills and the Hills Area, understanding these compartments is essential for overall well-being. Let’s explore the key segments:

1. Anterior Compartment
2. Deep Posterior Compartment
3. Peroneal Compartment
4. Superficial Posterior

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) is a reversible exercise induced compression of the compartments that brings on decreased blood circulation to the tissues and can cause pain and numbness in the lower leg. Each compartment contains muscles, nerves, arteries and veins, forming a complex network. Increased pressure to any of these compartments can lead to various discomforts such as pain, numbness, paraesthesia (tingling/pins & needles), and may result in damage to any of the involved structures.

This pressurisation and ensuing side effects is known as compartment syndrome and can be either acute or chronic.

● Acute compartment syndrome: Results from severe trauma and requires immediate medical assistance.

● Chronic compartment syndrome: Typically exercise-induced, prevalent in athletes, such as runners or skaters with the anterior compartment being mostly affected followed by the lateral compartment. Chronic compartment syndrome is generally exercise induced, it occurs in athletes, with symptoms usually emerging within 30 minutes of exertion. Initially, rest relieves the pain, however as the condition progresses numbness and tingling may occur as the nerves and blood vessels within the compartment become compromised.

Residents in Baulkham Hills and the Hills Area can benefit from proactive care to address compartment syndrome. Precision Health offers comprehensive solutions, including chiropractic and massage services, ensuring optimal leg health.

Take the first step towards better health today by booking an appointment with Precision Health Clinics. Our expert team is dedicated to your well-being, providing personalised care in Baulkham Hills. Call us now on 02 9639 7337, or
book online to schedule your visit!

Nwakibu, Uzoma BS; Schwarzman, Garrett MD; Zimmermann, Wes O. MD, PhD; Hutchinson, Mark R. MD, FACSM. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg Management Is Changing: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?. Current Sports Medicine Reports 19(10):p 438-444, October 2020. | DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000762

Rafael A Buerba, Nickolas F Fretes, Sai K Devana & Jennifer J Beck (2019) Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: current management strategies, Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 10:, 71-79, DOI: 10.2147/OAJSM.S168368

Book Now With Precision Health today and take the first step towards better health!