How do I know if I have chronic exertional compartment syndrome?

CECS causes predictable leg pain, tightness, or numbness that comes on during exercise and resolves with rest, often in both legs. Diagnosis is confirmed clinically and, when needed, with compartment pressure testing.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound-guided fasciotomy for compartment syndrome?

Hold blood thinners only if Dr. Gruner advises and arrange a ride home. Diagnosis is confirmed clinically and, when needed, with compartment pressure testing before the procedure.

What is recovery like after fasciotomy?

Because the release is minimally invasive through a small opening, recovery is faster than traditional open fasciotomy. Keep the site clean and dry, walk as tolerated early on, and follow Dr. Gruner's graded running/return-to-sport progression over the following weeks.

Ultrasound-Guided Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

The short answer

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) causes exercise-induced pain, numbness, and tightness — often in both legs of runners — when pressure builds in a muscle compartment. Dr. Gruner offers a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided fasciotomy that releases the tight fascia through a tiny opening, relieving pressure without the larger incisions of traditional open surgery.

Medically reviewed by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship. Last reviewed June 2026

How it works

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome develops when pressure builds within a muscle compartment during exercise, compressing nerves and blood vessels. Runners typically describe predictable pain, tightness, numbness, and sometimes foot drop that comes on with activity and eases with rest — frequently affecting both legs.

For patients who fail conservative treatment, Dr. Gruner performs a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided fasciotomy — releasing the tight fascial compartment through a small opening to relieve the pressure, avoiding the larger incisions and longer recovery of traditional open fasciotomy.

Why patients choose it

Minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided
Relieves exercise-induced leg pain in runners
Smaller opening than open fasciotomy
Faster recovery than traditional surgery

What to expect at your visit

1.
A focused conversation
Dr. Gruner reviews your history, prior imaging, and goals — what you want to get back to doing.
2.
Point-of-care ultrasound
When useful, a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluates the injury in real time, with no radiation.
3.
A clear, individualized plan
You leave understanding the diagnosis, the non-surgical options, and the expected timeline — in plain language.

Before and after your procedure

How do I prepare for an ultrasound-guided fasciotomy for compartment syndrome?: Hold blood thinners only if Dr. Gruner advises and arrange a ride home. Diagnosis is confirmed clinically and, when needed, with compartment pressure testing before the procedure.
What is recovery like after fasciotomy?: Because the release is minimally invasive through a small opening, recovery is faster than traditional open fasciotomy. Keep the site clean and dry, walk as tolerated early on, and follow Dr. Gruner's graded running/return-to-sport progression over the following weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have chronic exertional compartment syndrome?: CECS causes predictable leg pain, tightness, or numbness that comes on during exercise and resolves with rest, often in both legs. Diagnosis is confirmed clinically and, when needed, with compartment pressure testing.