Compartment Syndrome

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RitchieJoe

Active Member
Hi everyone,

I just wanted to ask if anyone has any experience or knowledge of compartment syndrome (both calves) and how this may affect my ability to cycle. I have had the condition since I was 17 and I am now 23, I did see an orthopedic surgeon when I was 17 but he seemed more concerned with the aesthetics of my legs than the actual use of them.

I have been referred back to a MSK clinic now and I will be pushing for surgery. I have rested for a year, Nsaids have been of no benefit and also cause me some gastric issues (I already take esomeprazole for this) and when I was referred to orthotics they said they didn't think the referral was appropriate for their department.

it is also worth noting that I have some abnormality in the nerves in my lower right leg, the abnormality is not enough for it to cross over the normal threshold but I just thought I would mention it here.

Any advice would be welcome and if anybody knows of a specialist in the UK that would be even better, I don't think much to the NHS.
 

midlife

Guru
Do you mean exertional compartment syndrome? Where are you in the UK?

Shaun
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Where are you in the UK? Are you in a position to fund all treatment (be it surgery or physio) privately and not just an initial consultation?
 
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
Sorry guys I should have given my specific location, I am based in south Yorkshire (UK). At the moment in time I could probably not afford full treatment privately, but If I have to get the money together I will but it wont be a quick thing.

I know you guys may or may not be trained specialists but would you hold off buying a bike until the issue is resolved? I do have quite severe anxiety and the best medication I have found is aerobic exercise with a decent level of intensity. So running for the moment is out, so a bike is my next point of call. I do have an appointment at a MSK clinic on the 25th of this month.
 

campagman

Guru
Location
at home
I broke my left leg and needed a Fasciotomy to relieve the swelling of my calves. Not pretty and my leg doesn't work quite right but at least I do still have a left leg.
 
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
I'm going to assume that was emergency surgery for acute compartment syndrome which was caused by the break of your leg?
 

vickster

Legendary Member
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
Someone did recommend I go to the local gym to try an exercise bike to see how that feels, but I'm not sure it would be an accurate representation of how it would feel on an actual bike on the road.

The only reason why I am hesitant to wait to buy a bike before I am cleared is aerobic exercise helps me anxiety massively.
 

campagman

Guru
Location
at home
I'm going to assume that was emergency surgery for acute compartment syndrome which was caused by the break of your leg?
Yes
 
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
So I saw an orthopaedic surgeon in London today.he asked me to stand on my tiptoes and repeat as much as I could before He stuck the biggest needle I've ever seen up the side of my shin bone and took a pressure reading. He said the average persons calves would see a measurement of 15 mine are 39 so he is going to operate and split the anterior compartments on both my legs. Oh the joy
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Ouch. Good luck with the surgery. Guess the bike purchase will need to wait a bit longer :smile:

Do you know what the cause of this is?
 
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
From what I understand it's predominantly genetic. Essentially my fascia which is the muscles casing is too small/tight. So when my muscle expands with exercise it has no room to expand into which leads to the accumulation of pressure and results in pain
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Well hopefully this will sort it out :smile: make sure you get physio lined up to make the recovery as straightforward as possible
 
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RitchieJoe

RitchieJoe

Active Member
I'm still ordering the bike tomorrow. I was waiting for his opinion and he advocated it before I mentioned it. I want to get used to Road cycling before the op, it will be one less thing to worry about post op
 
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