Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up within an enclosed group of muscles (called a compartment), usually as a result of bleeding or inflammation.
Acute compartment syndrome develops rapidly, is usually due to an injury such as a fracture, and causes intense pain. It requires urgent surgery to relieve the pressure. Chronic compartment syndrome develops gradually, is often due to excessive exercise, and typically causes cramping pain that begins during exercise and disappears with rest.
It can usually be treated by avoiding exercise, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs