Compartment Syndrome
There are four main compartments of the lower leg and these are all surrounded by a thick fibrous membrane that covers, supports and separates the muscles, termed 'inelastic fascia'.
Within these compartments are the muscles and when these muscles are overloaded and the muscles become too big, there is a build up of compartment pressure, which causes pain and swelling. Compartment syndrome may be an acute condition, usually resulting from a direct impact that causes bleeding or a chronic condition, resulting from overuse.
Symptoms include:
- Pain increases with exercise and eases with rest.
- Chronic tightness/ache.
- Weakness felt in the muscles.
- Minimal tenderness.
