Association of Creatine Use with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Distance Runner: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a common cause of leg pain in runners.
• The multifactorial etiology of CECS is not fully understood.
• Limited research exists on the link between CECS and dietary supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of a runner who developed CECS after creatine supplementation.
• To explore potential risk factors and differential diagnoses for CECS in athletes.
• To highlight the importance of considering supplementation in CECS etiology.

Main Methods:

• Case report methodology.
• Clinical presentation and history of a runner with lower leg CECS.
• Review of potential contributing factors, including creatine use.

Main Results:

• A runner developed symptoms consistent with lower leg CECS.
• The onset of CECS symptoms coincided with the initiation of creatine supplementation.
• No other clear multifactorial causes were identified at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Creatine supplementation may be a potential risk factor for developing CECS in some individuals.
• Further research is warranted to investigate the relationship between supplements and CECS.
• Clinicians should consider dietary supplements in the differential diagnosis of exertional leg pain in athletes.