Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a difficult problem for runners and running athletes. It can keep them from training. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss this common problem and its usual symptoms.

Salam Mulhem asks:
Hi Doc!
Have there been cases of CECS where the athlete hasn’t experienced numbness or tingling as part of their symptoms? Thanks, this site has been very, very helpful!

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an uncommon source of pain and disability in athletes. Most frequently, it causes leg pain in running athletes, but occasionally it is seen in the forearms of throwing athletes, such as pitchers.

Compartment syndrome occurs when the muscles of part of the body swell with activity. In runners, this muscle swelling occurs in part or all of the leg. This swelling causes discomfort or even severe pain while the athlete is running, but it usually gets better with rest. Over time, this swelling and pain increase to the point that it limits the runner’s ability to complete a training session. He or she will often notice, in addition to pain and swelling, numbness and tingling in the foot. As symptoms progress, the athlete might notice pain with activities of daily living, such as fast walking.

In the video, I discuss the symptoms of CECS as well as the treatments that can help the affected athlete.

Also read:
Ask Dr. Geier – Recovery from chronic exertional compartment syndrome
Ask Dr. Geier: Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Runner with leg pain and swelling

Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.