Who has heard of chronic exertional compartment syndrome

[jb160]

This is apparently what I have developed in my legs now from runnning. Which basically I cannot run anymore which really just devastates me. I love to run so much. I can still run but it can never be over 2-3 miles greaking bummer!!! So my question is if anyone has heard of this or had it where you able to find any solutions to help if not resolve the issue? After all the reseaarch I did on it I found that almost all opinions are the same as to surgery is the only real way to competely fix it no home remedies have proved to help significantly. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[guest username]

Haven't heard of chronic compartment syndrome, but I have seen an acute compartment syndrome in a 19-year-old college girl who was training for a marathon. A gorgeous girl ended up with some nasty scares on her legs (from the fasciotomy).

Why isn't this in the medical forum?

 

[jb160]

Haven't heard of chronic compartment syndrome, but I have seen an acute compartment syndrome in a 19-year-old college girl who was training for a marathon. A gorgeous girl ended up with some nasty scares on her legs (from the fasciotomy).

Why isn't this in the medical forum?

Acute is when it happens most of the time even when not training or exercising.

 

[RunningInTexas]

I registered on the site to reply to your question. I know how frustrating this is!!!

I was just diagnosed with CECS myself. I am seeing an orthopedic specialist after several years of trying to return to a regular running program, but being unable due to (what I thought were) shin splint issues. I did all the "regular" things to address shin splints (changed shoes - including getting outfitted by a specialized running store, changed running surfaces several times, stretched before / after running) - all to no avail. I'm having surgery soon since that is the only real treatment. Can't wait to return to a real running program!

I'm including a good link with the appropriate information. There are two types of the syndrome: one chronic (occurs when you exercise, gradually goes away after you stop exercising - within 1/2 hour or so, but returns when you run again) vs. acute, which is more serious and evidently more common with a trauma injury (such as a car accident). Here's the Mayo Clinic link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome/DS00789

Not sure where you live, but my dr said he saw this regularly when he was doing his residency at Duke many years ago. I understand that newer doctors are becoming more familiar with CECS & it is more commonly being diagnosed now.

I hope things go well. Certainly worth checking into...

 

[jb160]

WOW thanks for the message bro. Stay in touch this board also has a lot of good info regarding health and excersice routines. Thanks for the info to!!! Update me after your surgery too. I will PM you my email address.

I registered on the site to reply to your question. I know how frustrating this is!!!

I was just diagnosed with CECS myself. I am seeing an orthopedic specialist after several years of trying to return to a regular running program, but being unable due to (what I thought were) shin splint issues. I did all the "regular" things to address shin splints (changed shoes - including getting outfitted by a specialized running store, changed running surfaces several times, stretched before / after running) - all to no avail. I'm having surgery soon since that is the only real treatment. Can't wait to return to a real running program!

I'm including a good link with the appropriate information. There are two types of the syndrome: one chronic (occurs when you exercise, gradually goes away after you stop exercising - within 1/2 hour or so, but returns when you run again) vs. acute, which is more serious and evidently more common with a trauma injury (such as a car accident). Here's the Mayo Clinic link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome/DS00789

Not sure where you live, but my dr said he saw this regularly when he was doing his residency at Duke many years ago. I understand that newer doctors are becoming more familiar with CECS & it is more commonly being diagnosed now.

I hope things go well. Certainly worth checking into...

 

[stosstruppe]

Haven't heard of chronic compartment syndrome, but I have seen an acute compartment syndrome in a 19-year-old college girl who was training for a marathon. A gorgeous girl ended up with some nasty scares on her legs (from the fasciotomy).

Why isn't this in the medical forum?

I had a female friend in college with those scars from said surgery as well after acquiring the condition from basic training in the army.

Sort of puts things in perspective when I whinged about mild shin splints heh.

 

[RunningInTexas]

Well... my surgery is tomorrow morning at 9am, reporting to the hospital at 7am. Will post once I'm up and about again.

Here's a very lengthy thread from others who have been diagnosed with CECS, most having had the surgery. I feel somewhat relieved (lucky?) that mine is only the anterior compartment on both legs. After reviewing the thread, it appears a number of people have had surgery on several compartments. Overall, GREAT comments & good results. One lady seems to have a rough time, but she had multiple areas done.
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/678106477/m/494105748

Looks like a FEW people tried a few things that did work for a period of time (ART, various massage therapies, etc.), but overall... you're right. Surgery seems to relieve things long-term. I've been dealing with this for a few years, so I am READY to put this behind me & get back to running consistently. I want to do a January half-marathon. My doctor recommended switching to another sport (swimming, mixed with biking, etc.) to avoid the surgery, but I am a runner at heart. So I'm biting the bullet & getting this done.

Will keep you posted on how things go. In the meantime, say a prayer for Linda in Texas about 9 am CST tomorrow...

 

[RunningInTexas]

Had my surgery early yesterday morning. Looks like all went well. Was able to take baby steps with crutches. Keeping pain meds & crutches handy, but overall... doing a lot better than I expected. Have physical therapy next Wednesday, then to dr following Monday. Will post how those progress.

 

[Godspeed]

I had compartment syndrome a few years ago. I got surgery done on them and now I can run fine. I went to USMC officer training with it (i had serious pains but i didn't know what it was and i didn't want to quit). I went and tried my best but it got to the point where i just couldn't run/hike anymore. They finally got tired of my bullshit and sent me to medical. They did some tests on me and freaked out. They wanted to send me to the ER. I convinced them just to send me home. Came home, spent some time being pissed off, got surgery done and now things are alright. If you truly have compartment syndrome, don't waste your time with home remedies shit. Go to a doctor.

 

[Justica]

I have had CECS for a LONG time. My initial symptoms started when I was only about 12 (I was in gymnastics)...and then got progressively worse through high school. I was always told I had shin splints, but none of the shin splint remedies ever had any affect, and some even seemed to make my conditions worse. I quit gymnastics because of compartment syndrome. Since then over many years (I am now in my 30s), I have been involved in various forms of dance (some of them very acrobatic), and I always had to stop because of the pain and other symtoms (numbness, weakness, etc.). It got so bad at one point, that for 1-2 days after a practice/training, I would have trouble just walking. I got scared and stopped all activity and then became very depressed. I went to several doctors and it took YEARS to get diagnosed. The story/saga goes on and on...I finally did get diagnosed (after doing my own research and driving across state lines to see a doctor who knew and understood CECS). I have since had surgery. It was very successful for a while. However, it has come back. It's not as bad as it was in the past, though, so I am VERY THANKFUL for that. Since surgery I have been blessed to perform dance all over the US and even in London, UK. But I feel like I need to slow down again. Since the surgery I have had lots of swelling. After extreme activity, my legs usually swell up HUGELY! And I have to lay off for a while. I joined this chat because I am really just searching for a community of people who have been through this. I feel strongly that there needs to be MUCH MORE RESEARCH done on this horrible condition. I don't think the average person (or even doctor) understands how emotionally difficult it can be to live with CECS, partly because it is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed (I went through years of wondering if I was CRAZY!?). and secondly because it prevents people who are talented and incredibly passionate about their sport/art/craft to practice it. Anyone who has been through this (for whatever reason), knows how devastating it can be. If anyone knows of an on-line community where folks with CECS and doctors can chat. We need to learn why people get this condition, and find better ways to treat and prevent it!

Thanks for listening, and please keep the conversation going!