The calf muscles are wrapped circumferentially in a very tight, fibrous layer band. This fibrous band is fixed in its size/volume and can not expand. If the muscles swell during exercise, they can get squashed within the fibrous band, which causes severe pain.
Symptoms include pain, tightness, or cramping in the affected muscles during physical activity, which subsides after rest. The condition often affects athletes or people engaged in repetitive physical activity.
The primary test of choice is compartment pressure monitoring, done after walking on a treadmill. Sports physicians generally do this test, which involves passing needles into the calf after exercising to check the pressure.
Non-surgical options include physical therapy and modifying exercise routines. However, in many cases, surgery (fasciotomy) to relieve the pressure may be necessary. Fasciotomy is performed through minor incisions on either side of the shin, and the fascia is released for a length under the skin so that the muscle has more room to breathe and swell without getting strangulated.
Consulting locations
WOLLONGONG
Artery and Vein Clinic
402 Crown St
Wollongong
NSW 2500
GREGORY HILLS
Artery and Vein Clinic
Soma Centre
Suite 8/7, Gregory Hills drive
Gregory hills
NSW 2557
Orange
Artery and Vein Clinic
117 Molder st
Orange
NSW 2800
Contact Info
Wollongong
Phone: (02) 4226 9333
Fax: (02) 4229 4006
Gregory Hills
Phone: (02) 4601 1055
Fax: (02) 4601 1058
Orange
Phone: (02) 4601 1055
Fax: (02) 4601 1058
Healthlink EDI: wgvascul
Office Hours
9am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Phone Hours
7am – 6pm Monday to Friday
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