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Compartment syndrome? Should I be running? (Read 152 times)

Joann Y


    The last few days of running have been really sucky. The lower legs, and I guess the last couple days just the left, have this feeling of concrete that progressively worsens during the run. Like the first 5 min are okay and then by one mile in the tightness in the front left leg is painful (a burning pain I guess is the best way to describe it) and so annoying I want to stop but keep going and it just gets worse. It goes away after running and I haven't experienced it other times of the day. I honestly doubt it is a fracture or shin splints. It occurred to me that this is what ischemia of some kind might feel like. And then thought, compartment syndrome? I somehow doubt that a non-running doctor is going to be very helpful so I am asking you all what to do. Keep running through it? Keep the mileage low until it goes away? I really don't want to take a break but maybe I should. I don't know. This sucks.

    xhristopher


      I struggled half of 2011 with what we thought might be compartnent syndrome. After x-ray and bone scan I had a compartment syndrome test, which was negitive. Still, my sports doc thought it as a possibility and was talking release surgery if it didn't improve.

       

      Initially I tried to work through it but that was a waste of time. In the end I had to take about 5 months off and return to running conservatively over time. I never got an actual diagnosis. In reality I think I probably tore something that needed a long time to heal. Some things just take time.

       

      I never got a diagnosis but what I'm saying is that it's ok if it takes some time and don't rush the process.

       

      Have you looked into what is involved in a compartment syndrome test? You can watch it in youtube. It really sucks.

       

      Good luck.

      Joann Y


        Thanks X. Yeah, I don't know for sure if that is what it is but everything lies on a spectrum and I imagine that it's on the spectrum. Like, take care of it now and no problem kind of thing. I'm just having a really good run and hate to screw it up by being overly cautious. I'll take the weekend off and test it out a bit Monday. Dammit.

         

        And I have not looked into what that testing Involves. I'll check it out. Although, I have an idea and also a good visual imagination what that surgery would entail. Cripes.

          I have hemophilia and I was bleeding into my leg causing lots of pain.  Non-sports doctor was pretty sure compartment syndrome.  No running for me and fixed it as it can lead to some very bad stuff.  If you really think compartment syndrome, get it checked out.

          There was a point in my life when I ran. Now, I just run.

           

          We are always running for the thrill of it

          Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it


          Half Fanatic #846

            I had what I initially called "shin splints" that was ruining my running, but which was diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon as "chronic (exertional) anterior compartment syndrome" based on my complaint and his examination, without  the test.  He was also a team doctor for a major college sports program.  The release surgery was successful - I think I was out of running for 4 weeks, then eased back into it.  The Doc described the procedure to me as making a one-inch insertion, then akin to using a letter opener inside to release the compartment. The scar completely disappeared in about 2 years or less.

             

            My recommendation - see a specialist, don't guess!  I'm sure there are plenty of qualified specialists in your area. Good luck.

            "I don't always roll a joint, but when I do, it's usually my ankle" - unk.         "Frankly autocorrect, I'm getting a bit tired of your shirt".                  I ran half my last race on my left foot!                                  

            xhristopher


              In retrospect the potential downside of compartment syndrome was why I went through with the nasty test. I was on top of my best running fitness at the time and had to let it all go. The lesson I learned was taking care of my health was more important than fitness.

               

              Mine felt like numb shin splints. Not a ton of pain but really freaky and not to be ignored.

              Joann Y


                Thanks guys. I took the weekend off and I'm now convinced to take the whole next week off as well. My gut tells me this will work itself out with rest but if not I will make that dreaded phone call.