very complicated problems with legs, anterior compartment syndrome and other things.

Hello all

I have had problems with my legs for years, after spending 4 years in the marines and being very fit I left the corps with some untreated problems. (not realising at the time)
For the last 4 years I have been past from pilar to post in the NHS and I am now at loss where to go.
I have anterior compartment syndrome. I have recently been to physio lasting around 6 months. I cannot run any more and havnt exercised properly for over 3 years now.
The physio said I had very week calfs and gluts that needed to be built up, they also said I had very week muscles on the inside of my calf (dont know what they are called). The calf and glutes muscles were so weak the I could offer no resistance to even slight pressure they put on the muscle groups. I also have very high arched feet, and my hips are rotated slightly forward. I run with my feet pointing outwards, and basically run on my toes.

Every so often I can be just walking down the street and randomly if feels like someone sledgehammers me in the back which pushes the air out of lungs, and causes my back to violently spasm making it difficult to breathe. After 5 months of physio I was making progress then the back thing happened and this reversed all the progress and worsened the symptoms of my anterior compartment syndrome.

The physios in the end basically gave up and told me they couldnt do anything after sending me for a ct scan on my back that revealed nothing.
The pain in my legs from the anterior compartment syndrome even comes when I am walking and it literally feels like my legs are going to snap. A sharp concentrated burning pain in the bones is a concern, and it takes months for scratches or cuts on my lower legs to heal. I can feel the tension 24/7 even though I dont train anymore.

Any help or guidance would be good. I would like to know about the connection between my back problem and my legs, and also how best to deal with anterior compartment syndrome.

Hi cmdo83, sorry to hear of your problems with anterior comp. syndrome and also the problem with your back. I am an ex-Army Physio and have just left work at ITC (Infantry Training Centre) Catterick where all infantry soldiers, including Paras are trained. As you are probably aware compartment syndrome is common in the military. In the first instance I would suggest that you get your GP to refer you for pressure studies. The Army at present use Minley for the pressure studies, I have to say that the outcome of surgery for this in my experience is very good and the majority of the SUT's (Soldiers under Training) have a positive outcome and continue with their training successfully. I do know one of the Civilian surgeons that does the surgery for the army who is based in Northalleron hospital. If you would like to discuss this further please contact me at [email protected]
Kind Regards.

Thanks a lot for your advise I have dropped you an e-mail

Regards

Mark