If the pressures are significantly increased this confirms the diagnosis. This test involves measuring the pressures within each compartment of the leg, before and after exercise has been performed to the point that symptoms are present. Porter may require compartment pressure studies to be performed. The diagnosis may be based on clinical features alone, or Dr. However, all compartments of the leg require treatment in most cases. The pain may be localised to one of the compartments of the leg, often the anterior or front compartment, however it can effect some or all of the leg compartments. A heel-striking foot-slapping type running style is associated with the condition and should be corrected with gait analysis and gait re-training. The non-operative treatment includes stretching work, myofascial releases and other physiotherapy treatments. This causes oxygen deprivation and hence pain.

The cause of the problem is that the compartments in which the muscles are located, are too tight, and when the blood flow increases to the exercising muscles, the pressure increases to the point that blood can no longer flow into the muscle. Some patients give up running and the problem goes away. Other activities, including cycling and swimming are pain free. The pain settles completely with rest, but comes back the next time they try running. Once they stop running the pain resolves over a variable period of 20-30 minutes or more. It is usually a tight, cramp like pain, that builds up to the point that running is no longer possible. Usually they can start a run pain free, but after a number of minutes or even kilometers, the pain starts to build up. Patients with CECS commonly present with bilateral running-related leg pain.

Compartments of lower leg