The signs and symptoms associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome can include:

• Aching, burning or cramping pain in a specific area (compartment) of the affected limb — usually the lower leg
• Tightness in the affected limb
• Numbness or tingling in the affected limb
• Weakness of the affected limb
• Foot drop, in severe cases, if legs are affected
• Often occurs in the same compartment of both legs
• Occasionally, swelling or bulging as a result of a muscle hernia

Pain caused by chronic exertional compartment syndrome typically follows this pattern:

• Begins consistently after a certain time, distance or intensity of exertion after you start exercising the affected limb
• Progressively worsens as you exercise
• Becomes less intense or stops completely within 15 minutes of stopping the activity
• Over time, recovery time after exercise may increase

Taking a complete break from exercise or performing only low-impact activity might relieve your symptoms, but usually only temporarily. Once you take up running again, for instance, those familiar symptoms usually come back.

The cause of chronic exertional compartment syndrome isn't completely understood. When you exercise, your muscles expand in volume. If you have chronic exertional compartment syndrome, the tissue that encases the affected muscle (fascia) doesn't expand with the muscle, causing pressure and pain in a specific area (compartment) of the affected limb.

Some experts suggest that how you move while exercising (your gait) might have a role in causing chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Other causes might include having muscles that enlarge excessively during exercise, having an especially inflexible fascia surrounding the affected muscle compartment, or having high pressure within your veins.

Certain factors increase your risk of developing chronic exertional compartment syndrome, including:

• Age. Although people of any age can develop chronic exertional compartment syndrome, the condition is most common in male and female athletes under age 30.
• Type of exercise. Repetitive impact activity — such as running — increases your risk of developing the condition.
• Overtraining. Working out too intensely or too frequently also can raise your risk of chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome isn't a life-threatening condition and usually doesn't cause lasting damage if you get appropriate treatment. However, pain, weakness or numbness associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome may prevent you from continuing to exercise or practice your sport at the same level of intensity.