{"id":11567,"date":"2025-04-28T06:00:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T05:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=11567"},"modified":"2025-04-27T16:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T15:58:39","slug":"the-msk-playbook-chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome-and-differentials-of-exercise-induced-leg-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2025\/04\/28\/the-msk-playbook-chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome-and-differentials-of-exercise-induced-leg-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"The MSK Playbook: Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Differentials of Exercise Induced Leg Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>A<em>uthors<\/em><\/strong><em>: <span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Ricardo Catumbela, Ryan Linn, Aminah Amer, Faraz Sethi, Russel stocker, Dr Irfan Ahmed<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<h3>Exercise-induced leg pain<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>Exercise-induced leg pain (ELP) is a widespread condition among exercising adults that can hinder their ability to participate in physical activities or affect their performance. In primary <span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">care, understanding the common causes of ELP may help achieve an accurate diagnosis early and mitigate its physical, economic, and social impact burden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Exercise-induced leg pain (ELP) has a broad aetiology, with potential causes including vascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, and pharmacological factors. A sports medicine-focused history and examination can help narrow the differential diagnoses and guide further management and specialist workup in the clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>What is chronic exertion compartment syndrome?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>hronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is an underdiagnosed condition that leads to reversible pain and neuromuscular symptoms in specific muscle compartments during or shortly after exercise. Approximately 20% of patients suffering from exercise-related chronic anterior lower leg pain are diagnosed with CECS, with 70% of these being runners. Young males aged 20 to 25 are more frequently affected than their female counterparts. (1\u20133)<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 1: High risk sports populations affected by CECS (1-3)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 129px\" width=\"503\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><b>Commonly affected groups\/High-risk population\/High-risk groups\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Upper Limb<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rowers, Tennis players, Motorcyclists, etc.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Lower Limb<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">runners, dancers, gymnasts and military personnel<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">In healthy individuals, exercise temporarily raises intramuscular pressure, which returns to normal levels once the activity stops. However, it is believed that in affected individuals, exercise-induced muscle growth and increased vascular demand cause abnormal compartment pressure, reducing both arterial and venous blood flow and compressing peripheral nerves, leading to ischemic pain and neurological symptoms. (2, 4, 5) Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of CECS and the influence of factors such as diminished fascial compliance, myopathies, and microtrauma is still limited.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><em><strong>Table 2: Common presentation of patients suffering from CECS (4)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 79px\" width=\"578\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><b>Common signs\/symptoms \/ Common complaints<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201ccramping\u201d, \u201caching\u201d, \u201cburning\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paraesthesia <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cpins and needles\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Swelling <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cfeeling tight\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Muscle Weakness <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cfoot-drop\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h4>What featured of the history are particularly important in diagnosis?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>Over 90% of CECS cases impact the lower limb, particularly the anterior compartment. Patients with CECS typically experience localised, exercise-induced pain, often described as tightness, cramping, or aching, which may be accompanied by paraesthesia, hyperesthesia, and weakness. (5)<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Symptoms occur at a particular exercise intensity or duration, with patients often describing the urge to \u201cstop and stretch\u201d. Symptoms are usually relieved by rest, though recurrence occurs with the resumption of the inducing exercise. (5)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 1: Key features of CECS<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11570\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-1-202x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"440\" height=\"653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-1-202x300.jpg 202w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-1.jpg 552w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 3\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>The existence of red flag symptoms requires prompt assessment and referral to urgent medical services for specialised investigations.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 3: Red flag symptoms to be screened for in primary care or by FCP\/APP (6)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Red Flag Symptoms:<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain not relieved by rest<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Persistent neurovascular compromise<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New urinary and\/or faecal incontinence<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Concomitant lower back pain<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain at night<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unintentional weight loss<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Excessive sweating<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fever and\/or systemic symptoms<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">History of previous malignancy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h4>What other conditions should I consider during the assessment?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 4\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>Patients with a history of metabolic syndrome face a higher risk of developing vascular or neuropathic syndromes due to atherosclerosis and neuronal degeneration.(7) Purely neurogenic disorders may arise from autoimmune conditions, alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease, viral infections, or heavy metal poisoning such as mercury or lead. (8) Primary care clinicians should consider laboratory blood tests guided by a focused history and known risk factors (Table 3).<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 4: Blood tests should be considered in primary care before referral to secondary care<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Blood test<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>When to be concerned<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>FBC<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abnormalities in the blood count including anaemia or sinister causes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>U&amp;Es<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Electrolyte imbalances and\/or kidney disease<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>LFTs<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deranged liver function including ALP<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>TFTs<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deranged thyroid function<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>HbA1C<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Poorly controlled diabetes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>CK<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Raised creatinine kinase (statins\/myopathy)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Lipids<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Raised cholesterol (PVD)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Vitamin D<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low vitamin D \u2013 common in the UK<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Bone profile including Ca, Phosphate + ALP<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low Ca and\/or phosphate can imply longstanding severe vitamin D deficiency<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can help indicate if the patient may have Osteomalacia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Parathyroid hormone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Raised levels may indicate increased bone activity<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Ferritin, B12 and folate<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The patient may be deficient in other vitamins and minerals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Anti-TTG (coeliac serology)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cause for malabsorption<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h5><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vitamin D deficiency (see Supplementary Table 1) and hypophosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, or osteopenia are treatable medical risk factors that require screening. In athletes at risk for RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), bone stress injuries (BSI) should be considered and managed through a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, metabolic health, and strategies to enhance bone health. (9) Furthermore, Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) may exhibit symptoms that resemble the initial phases of the Bone Stress Injury (BSI) spectrum, including periostitis and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 5 \u2013 Differentials of exercise-induced leg pain. (10,11)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Aetiology<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Common differentials<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Clinical Signs on Examination<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Risk Factors<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Vascular<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peripheral Vascular Disease (Atherosclerosis)<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peripheral artery dissection<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popliteal Artery Aneurysm<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deep Venous Thrombosis<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Venous insufficiency<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Absent peripheral pulses <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ankle Brachial Pulse Index (ABPI) after exercise:<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&lt;0.5 &#8211; severe arterial disease<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">0.5-0.8 &#8211; arterial disease or mixed arterial and venous disease<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain on the posterior compartment during passive dorsiflexion of the foot with the knee extended<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Smoking history, Obesity, Diabetes, Hyperlipidaemia, Hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease, Cerebral Vascular Accidents, IV Drug Use History<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Muscular<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fascial Herniation<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Myopathy<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tendinopathy<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Symptomatic accessory soleus muscle<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Myofascitis<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">McArdle Disease<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tumour<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bruising or haematomas<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Blisters<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lumps or visual deformities<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">History of recent trauma, sprain, crush injury (excessive force or pressure)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recent viral infection<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Bone<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bone stress injury<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bone stress fracture<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Periostitis (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Osteomyelitis<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tumour<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain on bone palpation. Pain on the \u201cbone squeeze test\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low Serum Vit D, Hypocalcaemia<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hypophosphatemia,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eating disorders, Malabsorption, Female Gender, Performing artist<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Spine<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vertebral Fractures<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spinal Cord Compression<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cauda Equina Syndrome<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Radiculopathy<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disc prolapse<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discitis<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tumour<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lower motor neuron signs<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upper motor neuron signs<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain worsening on straight leg raise with \u201cbig toe\u201d dorsiflexion or during the slump test<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spinal tenderness or deformity<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Older age (&gt;50 years old), History of back pain or disc disease, Previous spinal interventions, Previous spinal trauma, Bacteraemia or presence of implanted devices (i.e. heart valve, pacemakers, etc.)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Superficial\/Peripheral nerve impingement<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Neuropathy of Lateral Cutaneous nerve, Superficial Peroneal Nerve, Common Peroneal Nerve or<\/span><\/i> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sural Nerve (Diabetic amyotrophy, Entrapment)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lower motor neuron signs with relevant myotomal\/dermatomal distribution.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tinel\u2019s sign positive:<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; worsening pain on percussion of the affected nerve<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hyperglycaemia and\/or Raised HbA1C<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Hepatic or Renal failure, ETOH overuse,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Autoimmune diseases (Sjogren, Lupus, RA, GBS, CIDP, Vasculitis), Infections (Shingles, EBV, Hep B and C, Leprosy, Lyme disease, diphtheria, botulism, HIV), Low serum B1, B3, B6, B12, E vitamins, Lead and Mercury intoxication<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Other neurogenic causes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Myasthenia Gravis<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Slurred speech, dysphagia, generalised weakness (including facial nerves), shortness of breath<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Autoimmune diseases, History of a Thymoma<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b><i>Medication-related<\/i><\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Statins, Beta blockers, Beta-2 agonists, Diuretics (esp. thiazides, loop diuretics), ACEi, ARBs, Antipsychotics<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Medication history<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 2 \u2013 Differentials of exercise-induced leg pain. (10,11)<\/strong><\/em><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11575\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-2-212x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"493\" height=\"698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-2-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-2-640x907.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-2.png 648w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Primary care focussed assessment for chronic exertion compartment syndrome<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The physical examination of patients with CECS is often unremarkable when undertaken at rest, as symptoms typically emerge only during particular physical activities. Given that the increase in intra-compartmental pressure is specific to exercise, the assessment should be carried out during or after the patient\u2019s symptom-inducing exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 3 \u2013 Focussed physical exam, helpful in assessing ELP in primary care<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11576\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.43.53-300x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"516\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.43.53-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.43.53-768x383.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.43.53-640x319.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.43.53.png 1204w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When evaluating CECS patients, initial contact practitioners, such as physiotherapists or primary care physicians, should conduct a thorough physical examination and collect medical history before arranging targeted investigations. If a vascular issue is suspected, the Ankle Brachial Pulse Index is a straightforward primary care test that can be performed before and after exercise to assess for vascular compromise. Additionally, practitioners should also check for widespread pain syndromes that may mimic musculoskeletal pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 6 \u2013 Clinical examination findings in CECS<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Clinical Examination<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Signs<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Inspection<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallor<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Swelling<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Myofascial Herniations\/Fasciculations\/Deformity<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Palpation<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Firmness &amp; tenderness along the myofascial compartment<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Faint or absent distal pulses in severe cases (i.e. Popliteal, Posterior Tibial Artery, Dorsalis Pedis Artery)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Poikilothermic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Neurological<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Localised reduced sensation (i.e. dorsum of the foot, 1st web space)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Localised muscle weakness (i.e. foot drop)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/>Which patients should I refer on?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When managing patients with CECS, it is essential to consider their goals and needs. A conservative therapy trial lasting 6 to 12 weeks is generally recommended, with an effectiveness evaluation after 3 to 6 months. If conservative methods do not succeed, or if the patient experiences ongoing debilitating symptoms that hinder physical activity, they should be referred to a specialist in sports medicine or orthopaedics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intra-compartmental pressure monitoring (ICP), post-exertion magnetic resonance imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy are valuable tools for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS). Although a definitive consensus has not been reached, ICP continues to be the most widely used in clinical settings. Various exercise and procedural protocols exist for measuring ICP and collectively indicate that CECS patients experience higher resting pressures before and after exercise than control subjects. (4, 10)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 4 \u2013 Infographic on the work up of ELP patients in primary care<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11577\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-3-188x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"477\" height=\"761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-3-188x300.png 188w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Picture-3.png 570w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/>What treatment options are available?<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conservative Management<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Non-operative management typically begins with the cessation of the provoking exercise, although patients may resist this, as it could jeopardise their careers. Altered gait biomechanics and running style significantly contribute to the pathophysiology of CECS. (11)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gait re-training should ideally involve objectively assessing running and employing clinical cues to guide changes to alleviate symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 5 \u2013 Conservative options for the management of CECS<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11579\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.16-300x189.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"475\" height=\"299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.16-300x189.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.16-768x484.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.16-640x403.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.16.png 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><br \/>\n<br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clinicians should concentrate on one aspect of gait re-training at a time, evaluate its effect on symptoms, and attempt an alternative strategy or combine techniques if no improvement is observed. Beginning with adjustments to cadence is frequently effective. (11)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using a treadmill with video analysis may be helpful. It ensures consistent speed and incline throughout, reducing external variables. Cadence adjustments can be cued with online metronomes or mobile apps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 7 \u2013 Examples of gait retraining strategies<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Strategy<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Assessment\/Measurement<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Aim<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Clinical Cues\/Performance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Cadence<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Count steps taken during a timed 60 second test<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treadmill helps to maintain consistent speed<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">165-180 steps per minute<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Set metronome<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintain a consistent running speed<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Run to metronome beat without changing speed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Alter ground reaction forces<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Listen to foot strike on treadmill, is it loud, is it equal?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reduce forces on foot strike<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cues:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shorten step length<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid over-striding (reaching the foot far out in front)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aim to land on the mid-foot<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aim to land as softly as possible<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Foot landing position<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Video analysis &#8211; pause frame on foot strike<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Observe trainers for wear patterns<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mid to forefoot strike<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cue:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Imagine lifting the heels 2-3cm higher than usual at heel off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aim to land with weight on the middle of the foot.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 6 \u2013 A stepwise approach to rehabilitating a CECS patient using conservative measures from deloading and gait retraining to strength and conditioning<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11580\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.24-300x180.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"472\" height=\"283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.24-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.24-768x462.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.24-640x385.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.24.png 1184w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alternative non-surgical treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemo-denervation, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, orthotics, ultrasound-guided fascial fenestration, botulinum toxin A injections, and taping.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Surgical Management<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is advisable to explore all non-surgical options prior to considering operative management, based on the patient\u2019s goals. The standard surgical intervention involves performing a fasciotomy on one or more compartments. This procedure can be carried out through open surgery, endoscopically, via a single small incision, percutaneously, or even with ultrasound guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 7 &#8211; Evolution of fasciotomy techniques: From traditional open methods to minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedures<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11581\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.33-300x114.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"532\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.33-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.33-768x292.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.33-640x243.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.33.png 1210w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recovery rates, the ability to return to the same activity level, and symptom resolution vary across studies. Recurrence rates can reach 45% (12), with nearly 20% of patients requiring further surgeries. Therefore, it is essential to categorise risk factors for CECS, as mixed cases involving mechanical or metabolic factors are less likely to achieve complete recovery following surgical intervention. Surgical complications, which include scarring, nerve damage, infection, haemorrhage, vascular injury, and thromboembolism, occur in about 16% of cases (12).<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>References<\/h5>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">George CA, Hutchinson MR. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome. Clin Sports Med. 2012 Apr;31(2):307\u201319.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bonasia DE, Rosso F, Cottino U, Rossi R. Exercise-induced leg pain. Asia Pac J Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Technol. 2015 Jul;2(3):73\u201384.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Schubert AG. Exertional compartment syndrome: review of the literature and proposed rehabilitation guidelines following surgical release. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Jun;6(2):126\u201341.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tzortziou V, Maffulli N, Padhiar N. Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) in the United Kingdom. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2006 May;16(3):209\u201313.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Velasco TO, Leggit JC. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Clinical Update. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2020 Sep;19(9):347\u201352.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">C. Ramanayake RPJ, K. Basnayake BMT. Evaluation of red flags minimizes missing serious diseases in primary care. J Family Med Prim Care. 2018;7(2):315.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Di Pietro P, Izzo C, Carrizzo A. Editorial: The role of metabolic syndrome and disorders in cardiovascular disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Oct 31;14.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chen P, Miah MR, Aschner M. Metals and Neurodegeneration. F1000Res. 2016 Mar 17;5:366.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jasty NM, Dyrek P, Kaur J, Ackerman KE, Kraus E, Heyworth BE. Evidence-Based Treatment and Outcomes of Tibial Bone Stress Injuries. Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. 2021 Nov;3(4):372.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bosnina F, Padhiar N, Miller S, Girotra K, Massoura C, Morrissey D. Developing a diagnostic framework for patients presenting with Exercise Induced Leg Pain (EILP): a scoping review. J Foot Ankle Res. 2023 Jan 21;16(1).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Padhiar N, Malliaropoulos N, Lohrer H. Exercise-induced leg pain in sport. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Dec 1;49(24):1546\u20137.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Supplementary materials<\/h3>\n<p><em><strong>Figure 8 \u2013 Vitamin D Treatment guidelines<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11582\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.48-300x141.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"549\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.48-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.48-768x362.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.48-640x302.png 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/files\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-16.46.48.png 1180w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The two primary sources of vitamin D are sunlight exposure and specific food groups. However, certain populations are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency and require particular attention (table 8)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Table 8 \u2013 High-risk groups for vitamin D deficiency.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>At risk populations:<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infants 0-3 years old<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pregnant and breast-feeding women<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adults aged over 65 years old<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Housebound individuals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Individuals who cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South-Asian, African and African-Caribbean individuals, specially women and children<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Patients in at-risk groups must be educated on the importance of lifelong vitamin D supplementation to ensure compliance. Clinicians should provide culturally sensitive advice, especially when discussing how darker skin and covering up relate to vitamin D deficiency. Some patients may avoid certain brands of cholecalciferol due to gelatine content, so alternatives should be offered. Mothers, pregnant, and breastfeeding women should be informed about Healthy Start supplements and how to access them at a reduced or waived cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Table 9 \u2013 Vitamin D replacement dosage according to age as per NICE CKS recommendations. Find more information on: https:\/\/cks.nice.org.uk\/topics\/vitamin-d-deficiency-in-adults\/management\/management\/<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><b>Vitamin D Treatment \u2013 Loading and Maintenance Dosage according to age<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Age<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Loading<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Maintenance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>1-6 months<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3000 IU cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td rowspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">400-600 units daily all ages<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>6 months -12 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6000 IU cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>12-18 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10000 IU cholecalciferol daily for 12 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Over 18 years<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">40000 IU per week for 7 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">800-2000 units daily after loading dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consider up to 4000 units per day for high-risk groups<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">*rule out chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease and hypercalcaemia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">** if using high dose loading treatment \u2013 re-check calcium 1 month after initiating treatment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5>Author information<\/h5>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><strong>Dr Ricardo Catumbela<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Medical Doctor<br \/>\nResearch Director \u2013 Optima Performance LinkedIn: Dr Ricardo Catumbela<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr Ryan Linn<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Resident Doctor<br \/>\nUniversity Hospitals North Midlands X: @ryan_linn_<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr Aminah Amer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Practice Consultant Manchester Metropolitan University LinkedIn: Dr Aminah Amer<\/p>\n<p><strong>Faraz Sethi<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Specialist MSK Physiotherapist<br \/>\nAPP Advanced Practitioner Physiotherapist (NHS) www.thefarazzledphysio.co.uk<\/p>\n<p><strong>Russell Stocker<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Physiotherapist<br \/>\nStocker\u2019s Physiotherapy https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/38iT5sbasJ8ieZVx\/?mibextid=LQQJ4d www.stockersphysiotherapy.co.uk<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr Irfan Ahmed<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport &amp; Exercise Medicine<\/p>\n<p>X: @ExerciseIrfan www.mskplaybook.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--TrendMD v2.4.8--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Authors: Ricardo Catumbela, Ryan Linn, Aminah Amer, Faraz Sethi, Russel stocker, Dr Irfan Ahmed Exercise-induced leg pain Exercise-induced leg pain (ELP) is a widespread condition among exercising adults that can hinder their ability to participate in physical activities or affect their performance. In primary care, understanding the common causes of ELP may help achieve an [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2025\/04\/28\/the-msk-playbook-chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome-and-differentials-of-exercise-induced-leg-pain\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":464,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2569,16068,16306,16396],"class_list":["post-11567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome","tag-featured","tag-msk","tag-playbook"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The MSK Playbook: Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Differentials of Exercise Induced Leg Pain - BJSM blog - social media&#039;s leading SEM voice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=11567\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The MSK Playbook: Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Differentials of Exercise Induced Leg Pain - BJSM blog - social media&#039;s leading SEM voice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Authors: Ricardo Catumbela, Ryan Linn, Aminah Amer, Faraz Sethi, Russel stocker, Dr Irfan Ahmed Exercise-induced leg pain Exercise-induced leg pain (ELP) is a widespread condition among exercising adults that can hinder their ability to participate in physical activities or affect their performance. 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