Exercise-Induced Compartment Syndrome in a Middle-Aged Football Player: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Exercise-induced compartment syndrome (EICS) is an uncommon but significant cause of recurrent leg pain in physically active individuals, particularly endurance athletes, runners, and military personnel, arising from increased pressure within a muscle compartment during prolonged or intense physical activity, which restricts blood flow, leads to tissue ischemia, and can result in damage due to the repeated muscle contractions that outpace the body's ability to manage blood influx and maintain adequate perfusion. This case not only highlights its rarity but also helps familiarize with its presentation, diagnosis, and management.

A 30-year-old male presented with complaints of pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking 3 days after playing football without ant history of trauma. He was immediately investigated and diagnosed with exercise-induced compartment syndrome of anterior compartment with deep posterior compartment involvement. Emergency compartment fasciotomy was done, severe muscle necrosis found, and compartment debrided. Post 1-year follow-up, patient had near normal range of motion compared with contralateral side.

The rarity of exercise-induced compartment syndrome (EICS) underscores the vital importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment, such as fasciotomy, to significantly improve patient outcomes. Delays in intervention are associated with increased complications and to optimize recovery and prevent adverse effects, implementing a graded rehabilitation program is essential following timely surgical management.