Exertional compartment syndrome causes severe muscle pain and cramping in the legs, making it difficult for athletes and those interested in high-intensity activities to participate due to pressure in the muscle compartment. Symptoms may stop with rest but can intensify when doing an activity.
While modifying or avoiding certain physical activities may help with exertional compartment syndrome for some patients, others may require surgery to correct the underlying issue so they can get back to the activities they enjoy. Find out more about the different approaches—such as a nerve decompression or nerve release surgery—that Dr. Williams may recommend to treat this condition.
Treating Exertional Compartment Syndrome
There are both non-surgical and surgical approaches used to treat exertional compartment syndrome. Conservative treatments may include resting or changing from a high-intensity activity to one that is low-impact to provide relief. In addition, using pain medication or wearing custom orthotics can also help to minimize symptoms.
For those who are athletes, non-surgical options may not be the solution since modifying or avoiding an activity will make it difficult to compete in the sport they enjoy. The symptoms may ease up when resting but flare up again when the person returns to the activity.
Dr. Williams can evaluate the condition to confirm that it is exertional compartment syndrome and not another condition such as shin splints that is causing the pain. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Williams will recommend treatment based on the patient’s specific needs. Some options used to treat exertional compartment syndrome include:
- Fasciotomy. This surgical procedure is the most effective treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome. It involves cutting open the inflexible tissue encasing each of the affected muscle compartments to relieve pressure.
- Nerve release surgery. This type of surgery is done to free nerves that are compressed by the affected muscles. It may be done in addition to a fasciotomy or on its own.
Contact Dr. Eric H. Williams for Help
Don’t suffer from the symptoms of exertional compartment syndrome any longer. Our goal is to help ease your symptoms and get you back to enjoying your favorite activities as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment in the Baltimore office, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.
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