Could you give up exercise to avoid CECS (chronic exertional compartment syndrome) surgery?

Most active people who have an injury that prevents them from doing what they love to do would opt for surgery if that is what is necessary to return to sports or exercise. If there was a way to change the activity in order to avoid surgery, could that be a viable option? In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I answer that question for a difficult problem often faced by runners - chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
challenge.drdavidgeier.com/ds/...
I want to help you! Please take a few seconds to share the biggest challenge or struggle you’re facing with your injury! Click here!
www.drdavidgeier.com/ask-dr-ge...
Click the link above for more information about CECS and other resources for your sports or exercise injury.
Get The Serious Injury Checklist FREE!
How can you know if your injury should get better in a few days or if it's more serious? This checklist can help you plan your next step to recover quickly and safely.
www.sportsmedicinesimplified.com
Please note: I don't respond to questions and requests for specific medical advice left in the comments to my videos. I receive too many to keep up (several hundred per week), and legally I can't offer specific medical advice to people who aren't my patients (see below). If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my Resources page: www.drdavidgeier.com/resources/
The content of this UA-cam Channel, / drdavidgeier (“Channel”) is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Channel may offer health, fitness, nutritional and other such information, but such information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. The content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained on this Channel. You agree that Dr. Geier is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on the Channel. Dr. David Geier Enterprises, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the content. USE OF THE CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
David L. asks:
I train in powerlifting, but do walking as cardio. I realized I had this swelling on my right lower leg when I walk or run for cardio, usually within the first 10 minutes. After coming across compartment syndrome in my Athletic Injuries course in college, I’m 99% sure this is what I have. If I do have compartment syndrome, is it necessary for me to do surgery? Could I train in powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift), and stop walking and running for cardio, and instead use other forms of cardio, such as battle ropes?
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a condition mainly experienced by runners and joggers, although athletes in sports that involve a lot of running, as well as cyclists and members of the military can develop it as well.
People with this condition notice painful swelling of their legs in the minutes after they begin jogging, or even fast walking. That swelling can make the legs feel like a balloon that is going to pop. They often notice numbness and tingling in the feet.
Nonsurgical treatments, such as working with a physical therapist, are reasonable first-line options, but often the problem persists. Many running athletes choose to undergo surgery in order to return to training.
In this video, I share my thoughts on whether giving up jogging or walking for exercise in order to avoid surgery is a reasonable option and whether it would actually work.
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.