Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
What Is Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome?
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) causes intense pressure and pain in leg muscles during exercise that typically resolves within minutes of stopping. It most commonly affects runners, cyclists, and football players in Faridabad and Delhi NCR.
How It Differs from Other Leg Pain
Unlike shin splints or stress fractures, CECS pain is directly triggered by exercise and completely resolves with rest. Pain is often described as tightness, burning, or cramping in a specific compartment of the lower leg.
Physiotherapy for CECS
- Running gait reanalysis to reduce compartment pressure
- Footstrike pattern modification (heel striking increases compartment pressure; forefoot striking reduces it)
- Calf flexibility and strengthening programme
- Activity load management during rehabilitation
- Fascial release techniques
Research-Supported Approach
Recent studies show that gait retraining alone resolves chronic compartment syndrome in over 70% of runners within 6 weeks, avoiding the need for surgical fasciotomy.
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Realign Clinic Faridabad offers comprehensive running assessments. Book your appointment today.