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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Excessive pressure within an isolated segment of muscle (a muscle compartment) causes chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Exercise increases the blood supply to working muscles, making them expand. If the connective tissue (fascia) that holds the muscle fibers together in a compartment doesn't also expand, pressure builds up in the compartment. Over time, the pressure cuts off some of the muscle's blood supply, leading to chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
Some experts suggest that biomechanics — how you move — may have a role in causing chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Other causes may include having enlarged muscles, an especially thick or inelastic band of tissue (fascia) surrounding a section of muscle, or high pressure within your veins (venous hypertension).
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- Aweid O, et al. Systematic review and recommendations for intracompartmental pressure monitoring in diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012;22:356.
- Meehan WP. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome. www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-4/0/1481/0.html#. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1584/0.html. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Ringler MD, et al. MRI accurately detects chronic exertional compartment syndrome: A validation study. Skeletal Radiology. In press. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 20, 2012.
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