been battling calf issues for over a year - both legs, very irregular in terms of frequency. I can go 10 weeks with no pain at all then one calf will seize up mid run (sharp cramping).
never both legs at the same time.
pain is usually in the belly of the muscle but even that is not consistent. this past week it’s my left leg acting up and the sharp pain is up at the very top of calf / behind my knee
I did the pressure tests on my left leg and was at 47 in the deep posterior compartment. but doctor still seems a bit unsure as the fact that the pain goes away for significant periods of time
seems a bit baffling
anyone ever have something similar? any medical folks on here with an opinion?
I work in the medical imaging field, including hours in the operating room on some narly trauma cases. I have seen a severe compartment syndrome, area of pain/interest looking like a tight grape overfilled with juice ready to pop! There are of course more minor cases and symptoms, but its definately not something to F-around with! Good luck!!
I see this is your first post, but if you search the forum (which is likely what brought you here anyway), there will be loads of information regarding chronic exertional compartment syndrome (less on functional popliteal artery entrapment).
Thanks! I will search for sure. I did look around a bit but have not seen many (anyone?) where there was such intermittent recurrence of the issue. I went a full year between episodes with my left leg but now it acts up about once very 3 months.
I just get back to a regular running routine (40-50 a week) and back it comes.
Hey mate,
Yeah I got a similar thing… Started about a year ago after a long hills ride followed by some interval running the next day… One of my calves tightened up and I presumed I just pulled it…
Since then they alternate in playing up… Most of the time it is when I push them hard when running…
It feels like a tight calve and there is some minor soreness around the tendon on palpation…
I usually take a few days off and then ease myself back into running and 9/10 times it settles down for a few weeks/months…
I also find that if I don’t manage to get enough sleep and am over busy then this doesn’t help…
It’s really frustrating as it impairs my ability to be consistent with my running…
From my understanding it is what can be described as ‘mad calves’… On this forum… A search of that gave me some good info… Mad being used in a negative context.
In regard to compartment syndrome… From what I know that is quite a different condition whereby pressure increases in the fascia during running and the individual usually feels this after 500m to 1km of running and it worsens as they continue… The pressure then dissipates slowly post running… Tx with a fasciotomy or other less invasive methods…
That sounds different to what I have and also to what you describe…
I find that massage does not really help my condition and actually inflames them, making them more uncomfortable… The only thing that seems to help is rest… And gentle stretching.
I hope that this is a little bit helpful and let me know if you find out anything further about what it going on
Definitely doesn’t sound like chronic exertional compartment syndrome. That is more typical in the front compartments and results in quite characteristic foot issues and shin pain. The pressure cause problems with foot function and you will often land ‘heavy’ with you feet since the muscles that typically control motion are compromised.
What made you think about compartment syndrome for this injury? Have you checked out any other potential causes? Did your doc recommend some things before they did a pressure test?
The pressure test was done as kind of a ‘well we’ve ruled out most everything else’ so let’s do this and see…
I have had MRI and MRA to rule out any venous and arterial issues plus bi-lateral blood pressures so there is nothing wrong there.
No pain at all in the front of legs always in the calf area. The fact that the pressure test did read a 47 (in the deep posterior area) had me thinking it might be compartment syndrome.
No biomechanical issues or other physical issues? Have you had a therapist check things out?
All of the compartment syndrome that I have seen in athletes is in the anterior/lateral compartments. I’m not a doctor, just a coach/athlete who has seen a lot of this type of injury. I know at least a dozen athletes that have had surgery to correct the problem.
Hope you can find some answers. Unknown injuries are a real pain!
Yup, been to a good PT and Chiropractor (plus a really good massage therapist). Very healthy and sound from a biomechanical standpoint. no other injuries or pain.
One thing that I think might be a clue is that after long car rides or air travel my legs feel ‘full’ and swollen. Occasionally when I run I feel like my feet are swelling (suddenly my shoes will feel tight over the top of instep).
Sorry to hear about your calf issue. I’m not an MD, but I’ve had compartment syndrome and several surgeries for it. Throughout the process, I did enough research to write a book. From what I can tell, you don’t have CS.
After struggling all Fall with the same issue I had a bi-lateral fasciotomy (for compartment syndrome). The surgery was at the end of December and I will try running again in about 2 weeks. Will let you know how things progress.
After struggling all Fall with the same issue I had a bi-lateral fasciotomy (for compartment syndrome). The surgery was at the end of December and I will try running again in about 2 weeks. Will let you know how things progress.
Thanks for posting back about your condition not too many people do.
I’m curious about the surgery and what type of incesion that needed to make to resolve the swelling? Was there much pain involved after the operation?
