I have exertional compartment syndrome, quesitons about surgery.

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I have been having tons of discomfort in my lower leg and feet for the last year but severe to the point that I just want to cut my leg off for the last couple months. So I went to a neighbor who is an orthopedic surgeon and told me he thought it was exertional compartment syndrome. He had me go see a leg/foot specialist today, who asked tons of questons, had me get on a bike and was feeling both legs and such. Said I indeed have exertional compartment syndrome. The only way to stop this is to have a fasciotomy. I am wonderin if any of yall have had this procedure done befor? If so what kind of recovery time did you have? Time that it took to get back on the bike? Strength of leg after fully healed (he told me that leg might be a little weaker because of the lack of pressure on the muscle to push)? If this worked some what, completly, or not at all? Or just any info that you could give me on how it worked for you.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I have had this problem before when I used to do lots of running and I know it is very uncomfortable. I was offerd the option of surgery but I opted not to. I believe the surgery is not too invasive and they cut small "slits" into the muscle fascia to allow the restricted muscle to get blood in and out. I know a guy that had it done and he races at a high level still. I think he was back on the bike in about five weeks. However, his was also caused by running as he was a tri athelete. I am no specialist but is does seem odd to pick this kind of injury up on a bike which is a non impact/ weight bearing sport on the bike that should not place too much stress on individual muscles. As for me , I iced like mad, and had some sports massage over a period of six months which was painfull at first but worked wonders. Have you raised your mileage lately or changed you regime intensity as they say that this sort of injury can be atributed to overuse.

Well good luck and keep me informed as to what you do. nathan

Hey just wanted to help you out with your question. I am in ortho. Before you have surgery you should make sure you actually have ECS. You said the doc "felt" your legs after riding the bike. While you may be able to diagnose it that way the traditional way from what I understand is to have the compartment pressure measured after exertion using a pressure gauge. The have to insert a needle into the compartment and determine the pressure.

I have seen one patient's recovery after the surgery. It took them about 6-8 months to get back to competition. Understand that during that time you will not be able to exercise for at least 10-12 weeks, while the compartments heal from the surgery. The last poster was right, the surgery isn't that invasive but the recovery takes a while. If it is indeed ECS then the surgery is the only cure. You can get your fitness back pretty quick.

I have been having tons of discomfort in my lower leg and feet for the last year but severe to the point that I just want to cut my leg off for the last couple months. So I went to a neighbor who is an orthopedic surgeon and told me he thought it was exertional compartment syndrome. He had me go see a leg/foot specialist today, who asked tons of questons, had me get on a bike and was feeling both legs and such. Said I indeed have exertional compartment syndrome. The only way to stop this is to have a fasciotomy. I am wonderin if any of yall have had this procedure done befor? If so what kind of recovery time did you have? Time that it took to get back on the bike? Strength of leg after fully healed (he told me that leg might be a little weaker because of the lack of pressure on the muscle to push)? If this worked some what, completly, or not at all? Or just any info that you could give me on how it worked for you.

Thanks in advance!