The study tested the running patterns of ten people who suffered from CECS. Each person struck with their hindfoot and each reported pain in their legs that got worse while running. As the patients trained to change their gait to strike with their forefoot, the pain decreased and running became much easier.

CECS is a muscular condition caused by exercise that causes pain (often extreme) in the limbs. The condition is most common in athletes and can be absolutely debilitating.

Surgery was thought to be one of the only successful treatments to CECS, but this study opens the door for alternative treatment options.

Dr. Silverman Comments

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) is a frustrating problem that can develop in athletes. Patients with this condition develop severe leg pain during physical activity such as running. With rest the condition resolves, but pain returns with a vengeance if the activity starts again.

It differs from acute compartment syndrome, which is a limb threatening and life threatening condition, defined as the compression of nerves, blood vessels, and muscle inside a closed space (compartment) within the body. If unchecked, this pressure leads to ischemic (lack of oxygen) tissue death.

CECS has had a dismal track record for improvement with non-surgical treatment. This study is an exciting revelation. It has bothered me for years as patients ask, “Dr. Silverman, why did I develop this condition?” I have never been able to give them a reason, but now I can. This further strengthens my resolve to support the barefoot or forefoot running style. We were not meant to hit the ground that hard on our heel and the action of absorbing that shock is what creates this problem.

I am even more excited because in the past, all I could do was offer a surgery to release the compartments. While surgery certainly works, I knew there was more to the story. The work by these doctors needs to be commended. I can’t wait to help people run for their own cure.

Related Sources:

Medscape.com

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