Because the only effective therapy for acute compartment syndrome is a surgical fasciotomy, those suffering from this illness should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Athletic exercise is frequently the cause of chronic compartment syndrome. This can lead to permanent tissue damage or even death if not treated promptly. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure inside one of these compartments forces blood and fluid into adjacent muscles, nerves, or tissues. If the pressure remains high enough for an extended period of time, it can cause serious injury or death to the limb. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, and cold sensitivity in the affected area. If you think you may have compartment syndrome, call your doctor immediately. You should also call your doctor if you have pain that does not go away after three days, especially if it follows an injury or exercise. This could be symptoms of a more serious problem such as a bone fracture. Your doctor will conduct a complete physical examination and evaluate any potential causes of your pain other than compartment syndrome. He or she will then make the final diagnosis by testing your compartment pressure with a needle insertion technique and by performing x-rays or scans of the injured area. If surgery is necessary to relieve compartment pressure, the doctor will make a long incision down the center of the leg to reach the compartment involved.