Chronic compartment syndrome.

Chronic compartment syndrome typically affects young people who are engaged in endurance sports. The primary clinical feature is a sensation of tightness or aching pain in a defined compartment of the affected limb, starting during activity or hours after activity ceases and lasting for varying lengths of time. The diagnosis is based on the history and on measurement of compartmental pressures. Fasciotomy or partial fasciectomy is the definitive treatment.