Effective Treatment of Compartment Syndrome and Calf Pain

Compartment Syndrome is a common cause of lower leg pain and calf pain with running, exercise, cycling and weight lifting. 

While acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and may require surgery, the information presented here will focus on chronic posterior compartment syndrome.

The calf pain and lower leg pain resulting from compartment syndrome responds very well with Active Release Technique®.  In fact, calf pain often starts improving after just one Active Release session and often resolves fully in a short period of time.

 

What is Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a condition that causes stiffness and calf pain during exercise. The muscles of the calf are surrounded by a protective covering of fascia, which forms what's called the posterior compartment. The pounding and repetitive stress from running, jumping and exercise can cause microtears to occur in the muscles and fascia, resulting in calf pain, lower leg pain, and inflammation inside the compartment. 

During the healing process, scar tissue forms in these tears causing the muscles to become weak, and the fascia (compartment) that wraps around the muscles to become very stiff. As the calf muscles enlarge during exercise, pressure builds up inside the compartment since the fascia is unable to stretch and accomodate anymore.  This causes calf pain and stiffness, sometimes to the point that the calf feels rock hard.  Once exercise stops, calf pain and stiffness usually go shortly after.

 

What Causes Compartment Syndrome and Calf Pain with Exercise?

Compartment syndrome is caused by repetitive trauma and overuse of the muscles of the calf and lower leg. Compartment syndrome is more common in runners, bikers and triathletes because of the repetitive nature of these activities and the stress placed on the feet and lower leg. An increase in weekly running mileage, overtraining, or running on hard surfaces are all common causes of compartment syndrome. Faulty foot mechanics caused by flat arches and over-pronation can also be contributing factors.

 

What are the Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome causes calf pain and stiffness, typically along the back or inside of the lower leg. Calf pain often increases with the start of exercise and disappears once exercise is discontinued, although the calf muscles may feel chronically stiff. In some cases numbness or tingling may be present in the lower leg or foot. The calf muscles are usually not painful to touch in compartment syndrome, but may be tender with deeper pressure.

 

Active Release Technique for Treatment of Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome often occurs with activities such as running, jumping and biking since they result in repetitive microtrauma to the deep muscles of the calf. Scar tissue and adhesions form in these muscles as the repetitive trauma continues, causing calf pain, stiffness and inflammation. This process also decreases blood supply to the muscles, interfering with the healing process.  By breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, Active Release Technique® can help return normal function to the muscles of the calf and fascia (compartment) which wraps around the muscles.  This allow the compartment fascia to stretch normally during exercise.  Calf pain and stiffness often improve dramatically and quickly with just a few Active Release Technique® treatments.

 

Treatment of Compartment Syndrome and Calf Pain in Bellevue, WA

If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique® can help your compartment syndrome, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!  Call (425) 455-2711.