Exertional compartment syndrome can occur as a result of a variety of repetitive sports activities, especially running and skiing. This condition develops when increased pressure within the tight fibrous tissue enveloping a muscle compartment compromises circulation to the enclosed muscle and supporting tissues.

During exercise, muscle fibers swell as a result of increased blood flow, sometimes up to 20 percent in volume. The most commonly affected areas are the muscle compartments of the leg between the knee and ankle. The hallmark presentation for a compartment syndrome is severe pain which is constant and poorly localized. Pain with passive movements, numbness, and loss of strength may also occur. Eventually, loss of capillary circulation and muscle and nerve cell death may occur.

Treatment is prompt surgical decompression of the affected muscle compartment. Permanent damage may occur if treatment is delayed. Athletes participating in vigorous activities should have a heightened awareness of leg pain which seems severe and much greater than symptoms they have experienced previously.