Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome Lower Leg
When you exercise, increased blood flow to working muscles expands them. If the connective tissue (fascia) that binds the muscle fibers in a compartment doesn’t also expand, pressure builds up in the corresponding muscles.Chronic exertional compartment syndrome refers to an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected muscles of your legs. Anyone can develop the condition, but it’s more common in athletes who participate in activities that involve repetitive impact, such as running.
The cause of chronic exertional compartment syndrome isn’t completely understood. However, it’s associated with increased pressure in a muscle compartment with exertion.