Peer Reviewed
Sports medicine

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: stopping runners in their tracks

Scott Burne
Abstract
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a relatively common problem in runners. Recognising the clinical features of this painful condition is the first step towards avoiding delays in diagnosis.
Key Points

    Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a debilitating problem for some individuals in the exercising population. This painful condition literally stops runners in their tracks, robbing them of a favoured exercise pursuit, but it continues to be under-recognised as a cause of exertional lower leg pain. Fortunately, clinical suspicion and recognition of the clinical features of this painful condition will enable clinicians to avoid diagnostic delays and to provide advice about appropriate management.

    Picture credit: © LZF/Shutterstock.

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