PAES/chronic comp syndrome

[grabons]

Over training lead to popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) as well as chronic compartment syndrome in anterior & posterior compartments of both legs. I have had fasciotomies to both compartments, and both heads of the gastrocnemis muscle cut from the bone and shortened to stop the 100% occlusion of politeal blood flow that was occuring with muscle contraction. The surgery was about 3 yrs ago. One leg is pretty good as far as pain goes, but the other still gets very painful with even moderate intensity activity. According to doppler studies another muscle is now causing occlusion lower in the calf but the surgeon is reluctant to operate as he can't guarantee improvement, can't even guarantee that things won't be worse! Any suggestions? I've gone from high intensity training 5-7 days a week to a half hr moderate walk in the park with the pooches.Have also put on about 7kg and increased my body fat % by about 6% as a result of not being able to train enough.

[Ruth]

Hi,

Have you considered doing other exercises which are not so lower-limb dominant? This might help you to maintain your fitness although I appreciate it might not be suitable if there is nothing that interests you.

Regarding your options surgically I think that is something you need to discuss with your surgeon as s/he knows what is going to be best for your individual circumstances really.

Sorry I can't be of more help here!