I’m not a marathon runner. In fact I don’t really even think I’m that much of an athlete. However I have suffered from chronic exertional compartment syndrome and have since had surgery to correct it. I thought I’d write about my experience here in the hopes that someone might find it useful.
A Little Bit of History
I was very active, mostly with a lot of squash, premier netball, as well as the odd game of touch rugby. I had had a tightening of what I thought were the muscles on the outside of my legs for some time and had asked various people if they knew how to stretch them. I’m fairly au fait with anatomy after studying it at school but even I couldn’t figure it out. They’d been uncomfortable mostly while I was playing netball, but I put it down to not being as fit as I could be and put up with the pain.
It wasn’t until one day I was playing squash when the pain got so bad I had to come off the court. Luckily the manager of the team I was training with happened to be a physiotherapist and mentioned that the symptoms I was describing sounded like compartment syndrome. I was training for squash nationals and playing finals netball so I didn’t want to stop. I’m also fairly stubborn when it comes to pain stopping me doing things (says the girl who walked home one day with two badly sprained ankles!) so I didn’t treat this any differently.
With squash nationals done and dusted, I moved away from the city where I first heard about compartment syndrome a few months later but began to research it online. It wasn’t until one day I left the squash court and ended up on the floor in tears from the pain that I knew I had to do something about it.
What causes the pain?
When we exercise, the body pumps blood to the muscles that are being worked, causing the muscles to swell or expand. The muscles are contained within a sheath. You know when you buy meat from the supermarket and it sometimes has that clear, stretchy stuff on it? That clear covering is the sheath. When people with compartment syndrome exercise, there’s not enough room within the sheath for the expanding muscle, therefore pressure builds and pain arises. A friend of mine once used a great analogy – it’s like trying to blow a balloon (muscle) up inside a drink bottle (sheath). It just doesn’t work.
Doing Something About it
I went to my GP who referred me to a specialist sports practitioner, who then referred me to a surgeon who specialised in compartment syndrome. Said surgeon sent me for tests (which, by the way, aren’t covered by ACC as the ‘injury’ is deemed to be progressive – kind of like RSI which, incidentally, IS covered).
Honestly, if there were a best part about having CECS, it would have to be seeing a medical practitioner about this condition and watching their eyes light up when you tell them what you have. It’s not a common condition and I think they get a little bit excited when they get to deal with something different from the norm. I digress!
By the time I got the appointment for pressure tests, I had developed drop-foot (or foot-drop as it’s otherwise known) which is when your foot makes a distinctive “slapping” sound as you walk because you can’t lift the front of your foot properly. I couldn’t walk more than 100 metres without the pain getting so bad I’d have to stop. Ten minutes after ceasing exercise, I was fine – which was probably the single most frustrating thing about the entire condition.
The Pressure Tests
I will not lie. The tests are not pleasant. Basically I had three injections of anaesthetic (in marked spots) into each leg to numb the areas for when the BIG needle gets inserted. I was then told to do an activity that causes the pain and come back to the room once it comes on. The specialist was surprised that I was back within five minutes, even though I’d continued as long as I possibly could because I wanted to be sure I got the results I knew would come.
The second round of injections measure the pressure inside the compartments of your leg. Anything over 30mmHg is “surgery territory”. As a gauge, my worst compartment was ~90mmHg. No wonder I was in so much pain!
As a result of the pressure tests, it was recommended that I be prioritised for surgery and I was placed on a waiting list. Through a mix of medical misadventure and me moving city again (and therefore District Health Board jurisdiction) it took me a further 8 months before I finally got my surgery. Bearing in mind that this was around two years after I had initially consulted my GP, I was virtually unable to walk and had put on a lot of weight – a horrible side affect for someone who used to be so active.
Finally! The Surgery
The technical name for the surgery I had was bilateral tricompartmental fasciotomies, which loosely translates to having three compartments in each leg released. When I say released… they make an incision, then cut open the sheath that holds the muscle in place. It basically allows the muscle to expand as large as it needs to when you’re exercising.
It was an overnight stay in Middlemore Hospital for me (and I’m thankful it was only one night!). When it was time to go home, I actually managed to stand up with my legs supporting my full weight while I got dressed. The only piece of advice I can give you is DON’T DO THIS. You may think you won’t move, but you will and it hurts! I was in a wheelchair to start of with, but given crutches before I left the hospital.
Healing Time
I have two scars on each leg – one on the outside above my ankle bone about four inches long and one on the inside of my leg toward the front about midway up my lower leg – about three inches long.
The advice I had read and was given was that it should be around 12 weeks until I could get 100% back into sport. This wasn’t the case for me, however. I went back to work two weeks after surgery (I recommend taking longer – perhaps another week) and even though I held a sedentary position, my ankles and feet would swell up enormously after keeping them “down” for the day, even though I had tried to elevate them as much as I could.
My employer at the time was less than supportive, even though I’d requested that I work from home. If you can, I would definitely aim for three weeks to recover. I was walking without crutches after one week but would still get pain and swelling in the week following. My recovery wasn’t aided by a minor infection in one of the wounds either, so I now have a more prominent scar than I would have otherwise.
Getting back into the Swing of Sport
So, after my two years of not being able to do anything, I was finally free to get back into sport! Unfortunately for me, I don’t think my body was as keen as my mind was and I was bogged down with miscellaneous injuries over the coming year (including prolapsed discs in my back and strained calf muscles). It’s now been around 15 months since I had the surgery and I’m finally uninjured enough to get back on the exercise wagon – enough to hopefully start losing some of the 20kg I packed on over the time I was involuntarily inactive.
Even when running now, I get numbness in my toes and feet. Areas of my leg, ankle and foot are still numb due to the nerves being severed during surgery but I’m hoping to get most of that feeling back. I still get some fatigue and soreness in the same areas as before but nowhere near the amount of agony I was in pre-surgery. My legs are also a funny “shape” because the muscles bulge out in places they didn’t bulge before, but it’s purely aesthetic and I knew to expect that. They are though, still a lot more svelt and “spongey” to the touch than they were pre-surgery. My poor legs.. what an ordeal!
Further Information
If you have any questions, you can contact me or leave a comment on this post.
Here are some websites I found useful:
MayoClinic – Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (Highly Recommended)
Wikipedia – Chronic Compartment Syndrome
EDIT: I have now also created a Facebook page. See https://www.facebook.com/compartmentsyndrome/
how long do i have to wait until i can start lifting weights with my legs or in on my shoulders(squats)
Our stories are very close! I spent almost three yrs after marathon training crying to doctors that something was wrong. Eventually I got the same tests you did and was scheduled for surgery. It’s been over three years and now I have a 7th month old. The pain is back, unbearable, and I’m hoping for more surgery. The weight gain is extremely frustrating. And it gets worse, the entire time I was struggling with the leg pain, I had an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
I hope your sports are going well!
Great blog!!!
Hi. I just got my diagnostic tests and I am waiting for surgery. I am so nervous to get it done. Is it difficult to walk immediately after, or is it just painful? I must admit I had a lot of anxiety reading your post. I am very active, and at this moment I find it difficult to run or snowboard, but I seem to work through the pain. Do you recommend the surgery?
Hi Amy,
You would not want to walk immediately after – you have stitches in the wounds and it’s very painful! Until I left the hospital I was using a wheelchair.
I would always recommend the surgery, because with the point I was at there was no way I could work through the pain. I always think that even a small chance to make it better is better than no chance of getting better at all. I am so much better (though not 100%) than I was pre-surgery.
I hope this allays some of your anxiety! All the best.
Advice?
I am wondering if anyone had it just by exercising or walking?
My symptoms started in early 2012.
I worked in a warehouse for 10hrs standing all day.
Well I stopped working September 2012 felt like someone set my calves on fire and they would throb.
The pain and symptoms went away and return whenever I go out to the mall and walk or if i’m standing.
I finally was referred to Ortho after being seen 4 time’s by my Gp we have ruled out DVT. I go an Xray Monday, I have a bone scan Friday then another appointment with Ortho Next Thursday. I am really nervous bc I HATE needles.
the pain I feel after walking is throbbing and burning sensation. To get relief my husband will sit on my calves for about 4 mins until they go numb. When he gets up it’s so reliefing I feel the blood to where it needs to go. Is the Cs feels like? I am just trying to get all the info I can. Not really much out there on Cs.
Thank you!
Hi yes my compartment syndrome came on with just walking. I wasn’t into exercise at the time at all, just walked a bit. I hope you have had the test for compartment syndrome by now? It took over a year, thousands of dollars and some pretty insane opinions from Dr’s before they got it right for me!
Hi Crystal,
I would suggest reading a bit about Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. It’s what I have and it was misdiagnosed as compartment syndrome at first.
Some of the things you said are familiar, like how pressure makes it feel better, and the prolonged standing you do for work. PAES is a very rare condition so many doctors wont even know what it is and wouldn’t look for it. It couldn’t hurt to try. It is diagnosed with a special MRI that uses contrast to see the blood flow when you point and pull up your toes.
I hope you find answers, and if you have any questions you can check out my blog and message me: popliteal-artery-entrapment.blogspot.com (I’ve just decided to start this so it is still fresh)
Glad to see this blog still being kept alive by the comments – wish I had of found it sooner, although a lot of bad experiences it seems… So maybe it was best I only found it now.
Here is my story.
I had a bilateral fasciotomy to my anterior compartments (front compartments on both legs) about four weeks ago.
I’ve always suffered from pain whenever I ‘tried’ to run so never really got I to running and never really thought much of the pain. It wasn’t until I started setting some goals for myself that it started to begin to be more of a problem. I managed a few half marathons and a full Marathon over a 12 month period. I could typically run through the pain but it started to get worse affecting me when walking and driving so I decided to start finding out why.
It took about two years of various specialists to get diagnosed. I was happy to get a diagnosis that explained my pain but I have to admit the decision to have surgery was a bit harder.
I live in Auckland, NZ and was covered by my insurance so was able to go private. I think it was around $7k all up. God knows what I spent in the lead up to getting a diagnosis mind you!
My experience so far has been generally good.
I had one night in hospital. When I woke up I my legs were bandaged up so couldn’t see what they had done, and there were drains coming out if each leg pumpin out blood. It was at first a bit freaky. The pain wasn’t too bad. The drains were taken out and then I came home under instruction to keep the weight of my feet as much as I could – this wasn’t really an issue for the first few days as the drug knocked me round a bit. Standing wasn’t to painful but sitting/walking was so I limited this as much as possible and used the crutches where I could.
I live alone in a 2 story house so it was tough but manageable. One thing I found really useful was an office chair in the kitchen – meant I could sit down and make dinner / do the dishes as it was impossible with crutches.
I had a follow up 6 days later – by then I had mostly stopped taking pain meds. I drove to my appointment which was quite painful but needs must. The surgeon removed the bandages and cleaned the incisions. He was happy for me to loose the crutches and start light excersise again (no running jumping etc) but I used the rowing machine, squats and upper body weights. I was stoked as it was much faster than I thought I would be back training.
I am very lucky to have a great employer, so had only a few days off and worked from home for the first two weeks. Week three in the office was hard – sitting down without my feet elevated hurt and walking was slow
I have continued training just no running or impact stuff – swimming, cycling and squats, yoga (some stretches I have to be careful with) and weight lifting (cleans, back squats) have all been ok. Some days are better than others.
Now four weeks port op I went for my first run – only 1km – no pain – although it was a very slow run.
I have been told to slowly bring my running back to where I was over the next six weeks – being mindful of how my legs are feeling and not pushing it too hard – it may take longer to get back to ‘normal’.
From reading the comments it seems it is different for everyone. For me though so far I seem to have been lucky so far. My lower legs around my ankles tend to ache a bit at night, and I have some fluid sitting at the bottom of my ankles that my surgeon seems to think is normal and will go away overtime. But otherwise the scars are slowly going away and day to day activity is as it was before. I still do to know if this will take away the pain I had before or not and I guess I won’t know for a few more months….
Good luck 🙂
How are they now?!
Stumbled across this blog again… It was interesting re reading my experience. Hard to believe it was nearly three years a go I had surgery.
For anyone who has made it this far down the comments, my experience has been positive. I have had very little on going issues. From time to time I may get some tightness through the front of my legs, generally if I try to work sprints or something without adequate warm up, but aside from that I can do everything I’d ever want. Post surgery my health and wellbeing has shifted to being a priority – to the point I quit my cushy office job and changed careers. I earn less money, and I ‘work’ more hours but I love what I do and I get to look after myself. I suspect this has also been an integral part of my recovery.
For me it has been a success, but it’s sad reading so many who have struggled to get better.
Hi
Nick
Bit relieved after reading ur story
Can u please able to let me know ur surgeon name
So we can probably think of second opinion.
We are in Auckland as well
Thanks heaps
Omg, I don’t know whether to cry or jump for joy. If I could of course. I’m so happy to have found this blog but it scares the hell out of me. Yep we are all different, I had all 4 compartments on each leg operated on 9 days ago, back to see surgeon in 2 days. I’m dying inside, my right leg burns, aches, nights are horrible, it’s not so much painful, just throbbing horrible feelings. My left marginally better. I’m so scared I won’t run again, omg I need to run again. I have a large swollen numb area on the inside of my right leg, almost on my ankle, god I pray the feeling comes back. I have really loved reading all of your posts, so interesting, I google daily to see if I can find something new. It’s so scary, but I was completely relieved when diagnosed with compartment syndrome, almost 4 years of putting up with the pain and being immobilized ! AnywYs, thanks to everyone for the posts, it’s great !
Have you improved any? Wondering if the surgery damaged a nerve?
Hi,
Just after a little advice, I’m thinking this looks like a fab place to get it, it’s a great source of info – thank you!
I’m an active 36 year old, living in the UK. 3 years ago I snapped the acl in my left leg whilst playing football. I had a hamstring repair and quite honestly, although I didn’t ever return to football, I thought the operation was a huge success. I’ve been going to the gym over the last year – only including 15 mins or so of running before or after a class.
I now have a place in the London Marathon and as I’ve increased my distances I’ve noticed that around 18-25 mins (the more I train, the sooner in the run it happens) the left calf starts to tingle and become painful and then goes completely numb from the top of my calf to the tips of my toes. Feels like I’m running on a ‘stump’ if that makes sense? It also makes me ‘stamp’ my foot, which is giving me pain in the knee after the run. The more I train, the worse it becomes until yesterday my right foot and ankle went completely numb too, but I stopped before it could works its way up the calf. I could quite honestly cry with frustration.
Today the pain is still there but it’s bearable as if the calf is ‘bruised’. By the way, I know this is nothing to do with my shoe laces etc. Infact, my husband remined me that it happened last year when doing the local fun run with the children. When I stop running, the feeling comes back pretty quick.
I suppose my questions are:
1) Could this be anything other than CS?
2) Is there possibly a way I can carry on training, could I cause lasting damage or is it just the fact that the leg/s are/is numb and so I may risk running awkwardly on it causing an injury ( this is a ridiculous question actually but I don’t want to let the charity that I’m running for down – if I was giving advice I would say “what the hell are you thinking?”)
FYI – I’m booked in to see a sports physio on Monday – just wanted to arm myself with some kind of knowledge. I have no back problems etc.
I would really appreciate any advice/info anyone might have.
Thank you
Sarah
Hi, I had surgery 1 year ago to release the pressure in my right leg. I was unfortunate to develop DVT via the operation, but thankfully that is all behind me now.
Or so I thought.
I had no follow up appointment or physio after my op, so am completely in the dark as to what I am feeling now.
I have no problem with activities, such as running etc and the operated leg is much larger than the other, as you’d expect. But with heavy use, certain yoga movements and stress (high blood pressure), my leg is back to burning and throbbing. It is difficult to pinpoint any trigger down and more difficult to find any information out. I’m still looking for answers!!
Reading all your posts is certainly very enlightening and thank you Erana for starting this, it looks like it’s helped a good few people.
If you do get a facebook group together, please let me know. Sometimes it is difficult for people to understand the pain compartment syndrome causes, as there is nothing visable. So it is great to be able to support one another.
Hi)
I have had three operations for CS, and went private for all of them. They cost about $5000 (2008), to $7000 (2013), although that’s excluding prior consultations etc.
For those of you that are in the process of diagnosis I would recommend getting all compartments released, even if only one compartment is high, or at least talk to your surgeon about it, If you get it in one part of your leg there is a chance you can get it in another part later. In 2008 I had my right anterior C released, and 5 years later had all 4 compartments released. Id say do them all at once, especially as there is little difference in recovery time.
With regards to recovery, I’d say most likely atlease 3-4 weeks until you start back at work!
Is it really worth decreasing your chance of success for a few extra days at work?
Im waiting to see my surgeon again (Jan 2014) and getting another orthopaedic opinion next month, but was wondering if any one has a good book on controlling pain and inflammation via your diet?
To you people that are awaiting your operation: Keep in mind that although people using this site are having recurrent problems, there are so many more with success after your surgery (I know of 5)
Heads up and all the best
Thank you so much for this post. I have suspected anterior compartment, however my consultant has not suggested these tests (I’m in the UK), I can now at least know there is some way to be 100% certain and request them before going for surgery which they have suggested. I’m sure it is this, as I get the same pain, and have drop-foot too (I sound like an elephant stomping when in pain). This post has given me such a lot of reassurance about the surgery as well.
Take care x
Great to read this blog and all the comments. My 19 yr old son went to physio with what we thought was shin splints. After treatment made no difference he suggested compartment syndrome. Since then we saw specialist who agreed and sent us to surgeon. Surgeon wasn’t convinced when son said he had tried to “run thru the pain” and said if it was compartment syndrome he wouldn’t be able to do this. We were then sent to sports consultant who has tried changing the way my son runs. Initially we thought it had been successful but since he has started soccer training again the old pain is back and today after his run there was a slight bulge on on leg! So next appt I am hoping they decide to do the pressure tests to find out one way or another!!! Thanks for this……is the Facebook page up and running?
Hey Erana!
like Tim I think some sort of Facebook group or page would be a great idea. I haven’t had my surgery yet but it’s scheduled for the 22nd of November. Love your blog and would love to see some support for people in NZ
Hi I am 10 days post op on my anterior and lateral compartments in both legs. I am still not walking without crutches and still very sore where my incisions are. I have my post op appointment in 4 days, where i will get my stitches out. I am just wondering when did people go back to work? My job is very active, which is going to be a test for me. Also when did people go back to running/sport/the gym? I am lucky so far as i have had no swelling or bruising, did any one suffer from swelling much later after the operation? Im hoping this works for me… i cant stand not being active and cant wait until i can run without pain or muscle swelling!
I am 4 weeks post-op CS on my calf, I was doing great till about 3 days ago, My leg started to burn every time I would stretch my foot out, I can no longer lay on that side, and now having trouble walking, after reading all of this I am kind of depressed… I was hoping that things would be better and i would have no more pain, The numbness i was having in my last two toes is gone, I also have the swelling in my ankle, but now I am going through this..I hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel I can’t go on like this without sleep! has anyone else experienced the burning after surgery??
I am in the military and was exercising and pushing myself pretty hard to get ready for my PT test(run, push-ups etc) when I had ran sprints and had pain but blew it off (as I have been a runner and exercised for years). Thought it to be due to muscle fatigue, however later that night I noticed swelling in my ankles and feet and by morning one of my legs from calf down turned black and blue with minor pain. I was seen the next day and after many tests to rule out other problems I was diagnosed with CECS. Since then I had surgery on may 18,2013 on left leg, Aug 14,2013 on right leg and then Sept 13,2013 on my left leg again because first surgery didn’t relieve the numbness or the pain. This last surgery has been the worst of all 3 and my pain is managed with medication. I was told that this would get me back to 100% and as I read these blogs I am fearful my problem will continue and that the surgery was in vain. I haven’t ran since Feb 2013 and definately miss exercising and being active. I am worried that they will eventually discharge from the service if it doesn’t get better and I am fully functional. Is anyone with CECS able to fully function at 100%?
I also feel the pins and needles you describe and my nerve was exposed in this last surgery and he also removed soft tissue around it to which i woke up from surgery in immense pain and it’s getting better but still there along with cramping and nerve pain. I have been in physical therapy since May and I still randomly lose my balance and deal with swelling.
I really hope someone will be my ray of sunshine and tell me that they have had a great recovery and that they can run with no issues…
Hi Erana,
Is there any sort of CECS support group in NZ? I’m a 28 year old Wellingtonian and would love to talk (even via Facebook) with others who have had compartment syndrome. I had surgery via the public health system in June 2010 (right leg) and November 2010 (left leg) releasing four compartments in each. Apart from the scars (I was left with 25cm scars down the outside of both legs and 10cm scars on the inside), I have had ongoing issues such as still not being able to run pain-free. Part of this is the weight gain (I went from ~75kg up to ~105kg due to lack of exercise), but it’s still frustrating to not be able to get fully active without considerable pain. It’d be great to have a forum where we can all give (and get) advice and tips on what is working and what’s not.
Tim
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your comment 🙂
I don’t think there is a support group in New Zealand. Did a quick search and there doesn’t seem to be much at all that is New Zealand-based.
As you can see, I still get comments from fellow sufferers almost four years after I posted this blog entry. I have set up a Facebook page but I’ll need a little more time to flesh it out a bit – then we’ll see how it goes.
Thanks again,
Erana
Hi Erena
Thank you for setting up this blog and also looking into setting up a facebook account for CS.
I had the compartment syndrome operation back in 2009, on just one leg. However, my leg has never come right and I have had to have several other operations since then. As I never had an accident and I wasn’t doing a type of sport to a level that would generally cause compartment syndrome, and it was only ever in one leg the specialists now suspect there are underlying issues which might be a reason for my ongoing issues.
Over the time I have had to teach myself how to do things differently and also had to teach myself techniques such as how to deal with on-going pain. The one issue that I have felt challenged with all this time is to talk to others who have had similar experiences, as compartment syndrome is not common and I could totally relate to the comment about how excited doctors get when you tell them you have it.
I would be really interested in joining the facebook group if you have set one up. Could you please supply the name of the group? I found one but not sure if it is you.
Many Thanks,
Karen
hey i had compartment syndrome back in oct 2011 and i would like to talk about it. its been really hard for me and would like to talk to someone who has had similiar experience. do you hav a facebook or emial we can chat on about it. thanks
Hi Tim
I had my CS operation back in 2009. Since then I have had a few other operations as my leg is not coming right and other medical issues have arisen. All of this has meant I haven’t been able to exercise like I did before CS. I decided a couple of years ago to go back swimming. There are days when I can use my leg and others when I can’t, the days I can’t I use my leg I use a kick board or pull bouy to help me swim.
I discovered our local pools has a weekly swimfit group, so I attend that. I spoke with the instructor who takes us before I went down and explained my situation, she has really accommodated my situation and I feel part of the group. I live in Auckland, but I think most council pools have something similar to this.
I also changed my diet as I had to recognize that I was a lot more sedentary than I use to be. I had put on 20kg since the my leg issues started, and I need to get to if off. For me I have adopted the approach of eat less. I started this last year and it seems to be going ok. I also got advice from one of the nurses after one of my operations to eat more dark green veges, because it apparently helps cleanse the body with all the medication that is pumped into you after an operation.
Hope this helps
Karen
I had my Bilateral Fasciotomy for compartment syndrome in both shins in December 2011. As of later, I am having the familiar pain in my shins.. I am a dancer, so the thought of having compartment syndrome again scares me. Prior to my surgery, I couldn’t run and walking was even difficult. The first year after the surgery was so good and I was so happy to have no pain. But this year, I have been getting night pains and now even pain during the day just sitting in class.
🙁 Going to return to the doctor, but it’s scary!
Hey Erana,
Great post – this is by far the best I have come across to read and also being in NZ also is cool! I’m only 20 and first started having symptoms when I was around 13yrs old. Was heaps fitter back in the day doing typical football through high school and Taekwondo, horse riding. Over time it got worse and I was just always told I was a little overweight and had bad blood circulation. So it’s been almost 8yrs on and I have my pressure test here in Wellington tomorrow which I’m freaked about because all I hear is how painful it is, very nervous to say the least! My problem is this: Normally I run anywhere from 2-5mins on the treadmill at the gym and I start getting the tight, aching feeling on the back/outer of my legs. If I fast walk up an incline on the treadmill it normally starts happening around 10min later on the outer/front. I have put on 11kg this year alone (last yr I was able to run 10-15min) and needless to say am quite unfit and my lungs don’t last long. I have been trying to keep up exercise for tomorrow’s test but all of a sudden my symptoms have gone and instead my lungs are gasping for air. Bit concerned as obviously I will need to bring my symptoms on! Fingers crossed anyway, very glad I came across this – guiltily whilst at work oops!
Cheers and good luck
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment!
Try not to freak out too much about tomorrow – they do anesthetise the spots with a normal needle (just a little prick) before they put the big needles in. It’s a little unpleasant when they’re gauging the pressure but it’s not too painful. You’ll feel a series of clicks – at least I did anyway – but that’s about it.
For me, fast walking and jumping on the spot brought the symptoms on faster than anything else. I was lucky to be in Wellington too – lots of hills to work with!
All the best for tomorrow – I hope it all goes okay. Though I’m not sure whether you’d prefer to have the high pressures or have to figure out what else it could be – neither seem like great options huh!
Good luck!
Hey Erana,
Thanks for that! The test was a piece of cake (of course your mind makes it seem like it will be worse) however I’m not sure how I feel about the results! The highest was 62mmHg and the lowest was 19mmHg – the rest were around the mid 20’s – 30mmHg which I have to admit I was quite surprised about considering when I went back into the room and was asked to lay on my back and try flop my feet up and down – I physically couldn’t. So I have my appt with the Orthopaedic Surgeon again next week to discuss the results and go from there – hopefully it’s just some problem with arteries or whatever but I’m not sure about the one that’s 62mmHg ha! Thanks heaps for this – it totally prepared me 🙂
Well, surgery it is for the anterior and lateral compartments, both legs. Interesting! But glad. I feel I couldn’t get my legs going well enough in the test because I am now so unfit and the lungs die on me pretty fast but apparently based on the results, the symptoms and all – it’s enough for the Orthopaedic surgeon to operate on. Yikes!
I had my surgery 7 months ago and my recovery has been amazing .. until today. i went for a run and i got the way too familiar pain in my calves and had to stop after 1 mile. i am utterly terrified that its coming back. someone please tell me if thats even possible?! i am a college field hockey player and i really was looking forward to having an amazing season to make me forget about the absolutely painful one i had last year. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! :”'(
Hey Jillian
I haven’t heard too many people say that they were absolutely 100% cured after surgery. Though whether that is because the surgery isn’t done right the first time (ie the surgeon didn’t release the whole sheath) or if it is another underlying condition, I’m not sure. I still get pain also and, admittedly, haven’t managed to return to the level of activity I was undertaking pre-diagnosis.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news – maybe others have had different/better experiences!
Sorry to hear about the reappearance of your symptoms, unfortunately cs can reoccur due to either an inadequate release or the scar tissue may have formed over the fascia like stitches holding a wound closed. I would follow uo with your doctor. Btw just mentioning the above cause it happened to me …. Hang in there and do some research on possible other explanations for your symptoms ie tendonitis,muscle strain etc. good luck!
It is indeed a very useful blog. I have been diagnosed with chronic CS. I resumed brisk walking in early March this year, and I felt pain in my left leg during brisk walks, which used to start after 20 minutes or so at the start of the walk. This pain lasted for a month or so, and limited my walking. But over time, it’s completely gone. Now, I no longer feel any pain in my left leg even if I walk 10-12 kilometers in one go. However, after pressure test and other diagnosis, orthopedic surgeon has recommended surgery in coming August. Nevertheless, keeping in view my existing situation, I do not think that I should opt for day surgery, as I do not need it. After reading this post, I feel I am right in my thinking. Therefore, I am planning to treat it with Physiotherapy and stretchings. However, I would love any piece of advice regarding my decision.
I have compartment syndrom in my foot. Doctor says that it’s really rare to have it in the foot. Every time my foot is “down” it starts to swell so bad, and it hurts soooooooo bad. I shattered my ankle and had to get it completely reconstructed. Once they thought it was all done I got compartment syndrom and it was the worst pain of my life. I just wonder will I always have the pain and the swelling of my foot?
I had emergency surgery in Atlanta GA 3 years ago. I was in Atlanta doing a breast cancer walk 3 days 60 miles. By the 2nd day, the pain was so bad I decided to go back to camp to rest my leg. (I had had this feeling in my leg before and when I stopped after about 30 minutes my leg felt better. Plus it was not all the time) This didn’t get better you couldn’t lay a sheet on my leg it hurt so bad!! I was taken to Mercy Hosptial in Atlanta, where for a couple hours they went back and forth on what to do. Finally around 11:30 pm they decided they needed to do surgery. So I waited for everyone to be called in. The surgery was done, my leg was wrapped with a drain in but left open for 2 days. I went back into surgery to have it closed ( 25 staples and ONE VERY LONG STITCH!!!!) I left the hospital on the 3rd day and return to Florida the next day. I have since started running again and I am actually training to do a marathon in January. I am very lucky to still have my leg. The doctors in Atlanta only found 1 other case in the “severe” stage my leg was in and she lost her leg.
But I do listen to my legs more closely now!
Christy
Hi, I have a similar problem I play soccer and within 20 minutes into the game both my calfs go rock hard and my feet go numb, it’s only when I sit down take my boots off I can feel it running out my toes as I regain feeling in my feet.
mine swells just sitting, just dont understand why. i have no pain just the swellingsometimes the swelling is so bad even putting my pants on hurts.
is it normal for my lower leg to keep swelling 6 months after compartment syndrome surgery?
Great post, it sucked because when I got my multiple surgeries, I had a pro soccer tryout and I had just gotten a job. So it sucked really bad. I had three surgeries and was in the hospital for about two weeks almost lost my leg, as soon as I went to the er they said straight up you need surgery… I was stunned because everything was starting to come together with the tryout and getting a job all in the same day, I was heart broken but at least my leg was saved. It’s almost been a year now an I still can’t feel my leg and my muscle feels weird when it pops out. I hate that I can’t do what I love which is to play sports.
Hi Helen
het so 7 jaar ook die operasie gehad maar ek wil weet of jy ‘n tweede operasie moet kry as dit weer begin pla. speel ook muurbal en action netbal
I recently had compartment syndrome surgery in the second week of march. The trainers now having me walk on the tred mill and running on the olyptical for some time. My legs after I workout feel the same like they did before surgery. The doctor did tell me it may take up to 6 months to heal. Did you have this problem too?
Kelsey wolf
Thanks so much for your post, even though it was a few yrs ago. I came across it on a google search. I have had two fasciotomies now, ant & lat compartment 4 months ago, then deep post 5 weeks ago. I am so desperate to get back into running and just yesterday went for my first jog/walk… i m feeling it now! Good to see that it can take up to 12 weeks, I am just not very patient 🙂 haha
I had go in for surgery for a non union of my left fibula after it not healing for two years. I stayed over night at the hospital and before I was released I started experiencing horrific pain in my leg. After trying to relieve the pain with pain killer after pain killer, my doctor finally came to see me. He performed the test for compartment syndrome and when he got high pressure levels, he called my main orthopedic who, in return, performed the test again. I was rushed to the OR and my stitches were taken out and my incision was extended on both ends. I had to have tissue removed from my leg because the pressure had built up so bad it killed the tissue. My wound extends from my ankle to just below my knee, 12in long and required 42 stitches outside and 42+ inside. The doctors left my incision open for 48 hours with a med vac and 2 drains in the wound in case they had to get back in quickly. I have been out of work just over a month and it looks like it will be at least another month before I go back. I was supposed to be out for 2 weeks. I spent a week in the hospital, was on crutches for the next 2 with no weight bearing, the third week I was partial weight bearing, and the fourth week I was allowed full weight bearing. This has been one if the most painful experiences of my life. On top of the acute compartment syndrome, I may have nerve damage in my foot as a result of my surgeries. I’m trying to stay positive. I mostly only see things about people with CCS not ACS. Is there anyone else who has been in my situation that may have some advice?
Hey. I’ve had compartment syndrome before too and had a corrective surgery done when I was fifteen. However, we only fixed three of the four compartments and I’m having difficulties with the last one. The sites you listed are useful, but do you happen to know a site that can give me a general idea of what it’ll cost to fix the last compartment on each leg(the anterior)? The reason I ask is I’m trying to find a way to afford the surgery without needing to involve my parents since I’m still in high school. Thank you- Kelly
Thank you! Its nice to finally read a CECS experience that is so similar to my own. My main concern is swelling at this point… When did your feet/ankles stop swelling after normal daily activity? My surgery was exactly 7 weeks ago and trying to figure out when I can expect to be “normal” again!
Hey Leah
It probably took a good 12 weeks for them to stop swelling. Just try to keep them up as much as possible. I did go to one doctor who thought it was just water retention, so I guess that is something to consider as well (although in my case it was just plain ol’ swelling!)
All the best!
Hey hows it going im 26 and from Wellington, NZ
I was diagnosed with compartment syndrome in 2007. I was at university at the time doing sprints which was part of my diploma in sports science. My tutor told me to go and see a friend of hers who is a physiotherapist. She spotted it in the gym and did some pressure testing with me. I just had my surgery three weeks ago. I put up with it for nearly 6 years as insurance would not pay for it. What i mean is i didnt have the money and i tried to save for it but failed and am too stubborn to ask for help but finally gave in and swallowed my pride. My brother had the same condition. The same surgeon did both out surgeries. Worked in Australia in 2008 till 2010 doing sales on foot. I would stand and listen to my boss whilst maintaining an engaged expression upon my face so i would not show the pain i was in just standing for 20 mins. How fukn ridiculous..right? Then i would go out and walk the streets for 6 hours. I enjoyed it looking back as I learnt some good skills although don’t miss the pain. I was constantly on painkillers but from the sounds of it there are people who have commented here who have it way worse than me…well so far. Will see how much longer till i heal..doing exercises at the moment and they are getting better so just taking it day by day as i would advise anyone to do the same.
ADVICE: Put trust in people. THe doctors, nurses and surgeons are in the profession of repairing/saving life and as such they must have good in them to want this as a profession. I did get a little nervous when they started wheeling me into the surgery room but hey i found solace in the fact i was about to be put unconscious and they were all reassuring – hope this helps
1st week – So a couple days after surgery it was like my legs were in shock. The reason i say this because i was walking around with crutches so happy it was done with no pain yada yada yada. Then suddenly the next day i was severely sore and my hamstrings bruised up something fierce. This lasted all week. What was funny from a guys point of view is sitting down when you number 1 thinking wtf is happening. Is weird what makes u laugh.
2nd week – Its interesting as the more i have a chance to reflect on the difficulties i have i.e making food, showering and geting dressed..i become grateful and didnt realise how much i used to take things for granted. This whole week i’m dragging my butt across the ground like a worm because the pain is too great to use crutches..this was bloody demanding but in the end i am lucky my parents paid for the surgery which i was reluctant to accept but will pay them back someday. So all in i can only seek the good and move forward even though i can have a moan to myself now and then.
3rd week – this is this week and its wednesday. I applied for a job today as i cannot bare watching another movie or watching an abundance of television :D. Excited! It may be premature of me but we will see in time..
Cannot wait till the day i can run again…the thought overwhelms me with emotions that move the soul.
Hi my name is aaj ,I had a surgery in my head when I woke up I had severe pain in both legs.after 3days went back to the theatre the did the test n straight away the did the surgery on both legs.when I work up they tall me I got compartment syndrome they had to do the surgery now n then .that was Feb last year ,near a year I still in a lots pain and can’t walk without the clutches my life been turn up side down
Hi, I’m 51 yrs old and have exercised on a regular basis for 22 yrs. Do cardio at the gym and lift weights. I broke my ankle 12-08 and wore a cast on my right leg for 2 months and a boot for 1 month, I hopped on my left leg the entire time. Then in 1/2010 I decided to exercise harder to lose the 10lbs I gained and then started experencing pain on my left leg after I worked all day and sit in my car, that was the only time it hurt until I went to PT. and he had me doing stretching exercises thats when it got worse and hurt almost all the time. Since then Ive had 4 surgeries from a very well known Dr in Madison Wisc. had my latest surgery in 10/12 and I still hurt, exspecially the backs of my calves and the surgery sites. I take aleve , tramadol and norco qd and have since before my 1st surgery in 4/10. The tramadol really helps for a few hours, sometimes need to take an extra then norco after work. I’ve talked to a couple people on the phone that I found on line and thru my sister-in-law. They both have had CS in both legs and one of them now has it in her arms and the other just had surgery in the same spot after 17 yrs. I hate to say it, but I really believe I’m always going to have problems and will have to stay on meds, unless the Dr’s stop giving them to me, which would be very cruel. I do still exercise but I dont run, I do the glider which is hard but I fight my way thru it, still do weights but not my legs, I figure Cardio is good enough. I wish you all the best!!!
Im having cs as well and tge pain is getting on my last nerve. I get these midnight pains that last for about an hour. Obviously not getting much sleep ajd i ru track, im 18 and i scsred to got the surgery and not being able to run for the season.how long is recovery on average and how much doe it cost?
Your blog is very helpful! I had the superficial and deep posterior compartments on both my legs release about 7 weeks ago. I am a college athlete and trying to recover from this is extremely frustrating. I’m not used to being unable to run at even a slow pace especially for as long as its been. The pressure from my trainer and coaches doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve been irritated because I feel like it’s too much on my body already since I still get pain, but still want to be able to do the things I could before so I started looking for other people’s stories online. Yours is one of the most helpful I’ve seen. I was able to identify with the same feelings like the pins and needles and still get them even after the surgery. It made me feel much better knowing that I wasn’t the only one that anticipated a shorter recovery but was sadly mistaken.
Thank you
Thanks for your blog. For a bit of insight for you.
In 2002 at age of 12 I started to hAve immense pain in both calves. Outer muscle. I was a fit kid and was playing rep rugby. For the next 3 years until 2006 I continued at high school with this pain. Playing for the top age grade rugby team. Constantly pushing through the pain that I’d be in tears running through it
I had endless amounts of acupuncture which didn’t help.
The only thing that helped was a very deep like elbow deep massage prior to exercise.
Nobody knew what was wrong until a boxing instructor told me to see a local sports doctor. He did the pressure test on me and refered me to the specialist.
It took about 6 months for the operation to happen through private hospital. I was 16 when I got the operation.
It took a while to heal and one of the wounds got infected. I have a permanent numbness in my right foot due to the Dr hitting a nerve.
The operation did reduce the affect that CS has on me but now 6 years since the operation I still get pain which hinders my ability to train and play rugby.
The only thing that seems to relieve the pressure for me is serious deep tissue massage. Very painful at the time but the satisfaction of being able to run continuously with out my legs feeling like solid pieces of wood it makes me happy.
What I say to people awaiting their operation is go into it open minded. The operation may or may not fix the problem and you need to find otherways to relieve the pain.
Good luck fellow CS sufferers
Hi, My name is Vicky. I really need your help. I’m so confused about compartment syndrome. I had polio when I was very young. I was paralized on my left side for awhile. Through therapy I got use of my left side…but weak. All the years I used my right side for my strength. I’ve never been able to run and walk slowly. I just finshed my second release surgery about 25 days ago. I thought I was doing well. Now I have swelling in my leg. Black and blue on the side of my foot. A lump on the side of my foot. Toes are black and blue. In the last 24 hours now the back of my calf is so painful. I can’t let anything touch it. Hard to sleep. I went to Er and to see the dr. They say this is normal.I’m in more pain now than I was before surgery. Please tell me …is this normal. I’ve had alot of surgery’s in my life time. I can take pain…but this is aweful. I just don’t know what to do. please help me. Thank you, Vicky
Most of my experience is just like yours except for basically 2 things. 1)I did/do a lot of running and 2)I didn’t get any type of numbing medicine when I got the tests.
Ive got resting pressures in the 70’s and active in 100’s in both my arterial and lateral muscles and been waiting 4 months for surgery im in pain all hours of the day
Hi, I am booked for surgery next week in Rotorua.
My CS was caused by 17 hours in high heeled boots on a work trip to Auckland on 22 August (I usually wear steel capped boots to work and flats at w/ends)- ended up in ED where pereneal nerve injury was diagnosed . I have appreciated all these stories but worry as they are all from fit people whose CS was caused by extended and prolonged exercise – that is definitely not my case. (Unfit and overweight ) I haven’t had a pressure test but have had MRI and have got a virtually a completely numb foot and dropped foot as a result. My op was going to be paid privately through my employer but their insurers have decided the infections (which arrived 3 days after the initial pain) has caused the CS – but the public serves operation is only one week and one day after the private one was booked. any advice- support would be so appreciated
Well im 14. In marching band i play the tuba (go hevy medal!!) But my 1st game was friday. I have to get out of line the ally next to footbal feild. I hate this. I dont want legs anymore! I want to golf.. NOPE walks too much. March.. nope!
I had surgery on April 10 2012 on my right leg and then also jun 12 2012 on the left my doctor cut 6 inches on my legs. After my first surgery after waiting for me to be able to walk normal I still felt the same thing I was feeling before I can’t stand for more than 20 mins if I do stand longer I can’t stand still I have to keep movig my feet which is hard because I’m in the US Army. Lots of formations. Lately I’ve been having funny feelings in my toes sometimes my scar on my right leg burns after to much movement I hope this is one of those things that only gets worse before it gets better. Im a very active person. This thing has cause pain in my legs that only sitting still will stop. I’m only 24 years old. That’s hard to do
I’m 18 years old and have had many injuries the last few years, particularly knee related injuries nd compartment syndrome. I for tested for CS In February and my pressure where only like 25 and 35, so not very high, but enough to be diagnosed with the syndrome. My pain isn’t too bad, it’s more frustrating that I can’t run or cycle very often because it takes a while for my legs to recover after each run\cycle. I’m booked in for surgery on the 2nd of August but am scared that it won’t help much because my symptoms are not that bad. I was wondering if anyone had similar pressures to me and whether the surgery is worthwhile. Also, how long after I get the surgery can I get back into chlorine water? I teach swimming as a part time job so I need to m ow when I can expect to be back in the water!
Thanks
Courtney i had surgery last thursday and saw my surgeon yesterday and he said that i can shower normally from now on but chlorinated water might be a bit different. 🙂
It’s been 3 1/2 years since i had lower leg compartment syndrome surgery. I am still in pain on a daily basis. Underwent all the testing and therapy required post-op. Nothing helped. I did purchase a compression sleeve on-line, which does lessen the pain and get me thru the day. I’ve stopped all physical activity because of it. The biggest problem is that i am a PE teacher and constantly on my feet.
I had surgery October 24 after two and half years determing what it wasnt. The specialist knew it was compartment syndrome but wanted to ensure it was correct diagnosis. What was suppose to be two days off ended up being eight weeks. He severed a vein and cut a nerve, which is why we have the numbness. He had to reopen the cut to release the blood pooled inside. Very painful and more stitches. To date I still have pain and can only walk very short distance. I am doing pilates and other things to try and get back into shape. I just hope that some day I can walk the distance again. I have completely given up the idea of running again.
Hi Todd,
I know it has been several years since you posted to this site but I can’t find anyone who has had the same bad result. I to had all lower compartments released a few years ago and am worse off now than before. Still have the same pain but now have daily leg swelling, pins and needles, numbness and foot drop. Ugh! Have you found anything to help? What do your doctors say?
Hey all, just got 4 compartments released bilaterally for compartment syndrome, and I’m writing a blog about the whole experience in order to share information.
http://compartment-syndrome-explained.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy!
Finally found something about some in New Zealand with exertional compartment syndrome!
I have just been privately to see a sports medicine doctor and told that compartment syndrome is top of his list as to the pain i get in my calves, after being referred from my Physiotherapist. Only to get the pressure test done privately is $350 to confirm diagnosis, and the private surgery in Wellington now costs 10-11k..
Would you recommend going privately vs publicly? I’m not sure my pressures would be high enough to receive surgery as “quickly” as you. If I have to wait over a year to receive the surgery publicly (if I even qualify to go on the waiting list).
Cheers,
Rebecca
Hey Rebecca. It really depends on you. I know that I couldn’t afford to fork out $11k for private surgery (since it wasn’t covered by insurance), so I decided to wait. I don’t think the pressure levels would effect how long you have to wait, but I guess you never know. Have you had the pressure tests yet? I had to pay for them myself regardless but at least once you’ve got them done you’ll know for sure whether you’re dealing with CECS or whether it’s something else.
So, if I were you and if you can’t afford the $11k, I’d say give the public system a go and see what happens. If you get fed up with waiting, contacting the Ministry of Health is a good place to start. By the time I’d had my surgery I had a guy there who was fighting the battle for me 🙂
Best of luck!
Hi!
I just wanted to write to say thanks for writing this blog. It really prepared me for the pressure tests and the surgery (that I had 2 1/2 weeks ago). I was diagnosed with this after I couldn’t put up with the pain any more and went to physio. I play alot of sport (soccer), go to the gym and swim – some days after soccer I couldn’t walk it was so bad.
My recovery is going well. I’m back at the gym on the bike only until I see the surgeon before Christmas and back at work. My left leg is giving me some trouble, and some of my toes on my left foot get numb when I exercise, but I’m hoping that will gradually go the more exercise I do. The scars are long, but skinny and I’m keeping them taped up so they don’t stretch. I can’t wait to start running with no pain!!!
Once again, thanks!
Gillian
No problem Gillian! Glad my blog helped you out a bit. Good luck with your recovery 🙂
Thank you for posting this. I had my bilateral compartment release in 2005 and I haven’t been able to do anything at all. I have gained 40 #, can’t run anymore or even walk without having excruciating pain in my calves at night. My right knee has meniscus issues too and the compartment release seems to have flared up knee problems.
Needless to say, I am frustrated, 5 years post op.
About 2 months ago, I fell at my apt. And hit my head on a desk, which caused me to lay there unconscious. I laid there for about 9 hours before a friend found me. My calf area was about the sizebof both of my thighs put together. Once I reached the hospital, all 7 doctors had no clue what was wrong with me. Of course, I don’t remember the first 2 weeks of being in the hospital. I ended up being put in ICU for a week and a half. My fever reached 105 and my kidneys started failing. The doctors told my family I probably wouldn’t make it. I was in the hospital for a month and I have been out a month. I have to tell you that I’ve never experienced pain like this in my life. It lasts 24/7!! For those of you that can walk, consider yourself so lucky. I’m in a wheelchair and my whole life has changed. I had never heard of this syndrome until it happened to me. Believe me it’s alot more prevalent than we think. Good luck to all of you.
My son had the exact same injury two years ago.We rushed him to the hospital where the doctor was smart to recognize the syndrome.He emediatly rushed him from the emergency room to the operation. He told us that it was either amputate or cut open the leg and release the muscle His kidned started to fail.and we din’t know if he was going to pull through. After a long stay at the hospital(one month) he ws released. He still has dropped foot and has muscle and nerve problems he has not regained all his feelings and has a hard time walking.Please let me know how you are doing
Well done erana on such a impressive overview, and thanks heaps for this posting and your advice!
I have had the issue with minor walking (or even standing) for about about 15 months and started support process via GP etc 4 months ago. So I am at about the mid stage of medical diagnosis. Pressure tests over 70mmHg have meant referal to the surgeon for more testing and I expect the same operation. I have had some physio massage in the mean time and their recomendation was that I could restart my biking which has helped to reverse my increasing weight!
I am not so keen on the “nerves being severed during surgery” part and its affects.
Do you think having the operation privately via a surgeon that has done this operation before, will make any difference, or had the surgeon at Middlemore done this op before and this is a standard side effect? Maybe I should find out what this costs if I go privately?
Hey there! Thanks for your comment.
The surgeon I had was a specialist in his field who also has a private practice in Auckland, so is very experienced in performing this kind of surgery. I think it’s a risk that you undertake with this kind of procedure, though I’m not sure how much the severity varies. Mine is definitely “liveable” for the most part. It feels odd sometimes but nothing too terrible. The numbness I get when running could be partly the shoes I have (I’m still trying to find the “right” shoes!) – it’s definitely not numb all the time.
I too investigated the costs of getting this kind of procedure done privately and I think it came out around the $6,000 mark. There are resources available on the Southern Cross website that will outline the costs (though it’s based on 2008’s figures – still, $5,000 – .. pretty sure they would have gone up since then) – here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/yjpb42r.
Hope this allays some of your fears. Honestly having the surgery is the best thing I could have done. Good luck with the biking and your impending surgery!
Your blog is fantastic. I have just had this surgery this week and was googling to try and find out more about my legs in terms of the recovery process. I have had some really wierd sensations and dreadful pins and needles, but your article has put a smile on my face again, I too did lots of running with my refereeing career and it just got so painful. I will take your advice about work too, I was planning on going back after 1 week, but the surgeon told me 3 weeks, so perhaps I had better listen! thanks again for sharing your information!
Regards
Helen