Compartment syndrome is a painful cramp caused by compression of muscles during exercise.
Compartment syndrome occurs as the result of trauma to the forearm or leg or overuse of the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg. These injuries can cause tissues in the affected area to swell. In these compartments muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels work together. The compartments in the lower leg are generally most affected. This injury occurs most often in athletes who run a great deal.