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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChronic exertional compartment syndrome is an uncommon, exercise-induced neuromuscular condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes even disability in affected muscles of your legs or arms.
Anyone can develop chronic exertional compartment syndrome, but it's more common in athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive movements, such as running, fast walking, biking and swimming. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is sometimes called chronic compartment syndrome or exercise-induced compartment syndrome.
Conservative treatments typically don't help with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. However, surgery is usually successful, allowing you — whether you're a recreational or serious athlete — to return to your sport.
- Chronic exertional compartment syndrome. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206761326-3/1016341470/1584/350.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50049-0--cesec4_2495. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Choi L. Overuse injuries. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0210&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..10014-4--s0290&uniq=206761326&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&sid=1016341470. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Barr KP. Compartment syndrome. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206761326-3/1016341470/1678/61.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50060-2--cesec8_953. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Wilder RP, et al. Exertional compartment syndrome. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2010;29:429.
- Sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sports_Injuries/default.asp. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Compartment syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00204. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 8, 2010.
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