treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

The general treatment of running injuries applies,but the immediate treatment is RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

• nonsurgical measures of CECS of the lower extremity include:
  
  
  • activity modification and rest
  • intermittent massage with stretching, taping, orthotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    
    
• surgical treatment
  
  
  • patients with anterior or lateral compartment symptoms tend to have better outcomes:greater than 80% success rate as compared with deep posterior CECS, which has a success rate of about 50%
  • postoperative care includes an approximate 12-week rehabilitation starting with protection and mobility, early light strengthening, scar massage with mobility and desensitization, progression of strengthening exercises, and concluding with impact and sport-specific training

Reference:

• Brennan FH, Kane SF. Diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation of chronic lower leg exertional compartment syndrome. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2003;2:247-250
• Raikin S, Venkat R, Vitanzo P. Bilateral simultaneous fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Foot Ankle Int 2005; 26: 1007-1011
• Shah S, Miller B, Kuhn J. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Am J Orthop 2004; 33: 335-341