The NHS has warned that certain types of pain should never be ignored, as they may signal a potentially serious condition. According to the specialists, there is particular concern around people who describe their discomfort as “a burning pain or a deep ache.”

NHS chiefs further noted that the pain often intensifies when the affected body part is moved, which can be a key indicator that something more severe is occurring beneath the surface. The NHS has now advised people that when these symptoms appear, especially if they are accompanied by additional worrying signs, they could point to a condition known as compartment syndrome.

This is a medical emergency that requires attention to prevent long-term damage. So if you experience these symptoms, seeking immediate medical help is strongly recommended.

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It explained: "Compartment syndrome is an increase in pressure inside a muscle, which restricts blood flow and causes pain. If it happens suddenly, it can be serious and needtreatment as soon as possible."

Symptoms of compartment syndrome

You can get this in any muscle. However, it often affects the muscles in the lower legs and forearms.

Symptoms include:

• pain in a muscle – this may feel like a burning pain or a deep ache (moving the body part can make the pain even worse)


• swelling or bulging of the muscle


• numbness, weakness or pins and needles


• tightness or difficulty moving the affected body part

Do I need treatment?

The NHS noted that symptoms can come on suddenly, often following an injury or when a bandage or plaster cast has been applied too tightly. In these cases, the condition is known as acute compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome can also develop more gradually, typically during physical activity, and the discomfort usually eases once you stop exercising. This slower onset is referred to as chronic compartment syndrome.

The NHS advises calling 999 immediately if you experience sudden, severe pain in any part of your body, as urgent surgery may be required. However, this is not necessary if you are experiencing recurring pain, numbness, swelling or difficulty moving a body part during exercise. In these situations, the NHS recommends contacting a GP, who can determine whether compartment syndrome or another condition is responsible for the symptoms.

Sudden (acute) compartment syndrome

When compartment syndrome occurs suddenly, it requires immediate surgery to release the dangerous build-up of pressure within the affected muscle compartment. The operation, known as a fasciotomy, involves making incisions in the tissue surrounding the muscle to relieve the pressure and restore healthy blood flow. In some instances, a skin graft may be necessary, using skin from another area of the body to close the wound. Following the procedure, patients are typically given medication to control pain and may need physiotherapy to help regain full movement and strength in the affected limb.

Gradual (chronic) compartment syndrome

Gradual or chronic compartment syndrome often doesn’t require surgery. But to help ease symptoms, you can:

• avoid or modify the activity that triggers them such as switching to low-impact exercise like cycling




• use anti-inflammatory painkillers to reduce discomfort




• attend physiotherapy




• use shoe inserts (orthotics) if you return to running

If your symptoms persist despite these changes, surgery may be considered, using a technique similar to the procedure for acute compartment syndrome. Talk to your GP about your concerns and keep note of your symptoms and when they happen, and first started.

NHS pain scale

Severe pain

• always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk


• you cannot sleep


• it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain

• always there


• makes it hard to concentrate or sleep


• you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain

• comes and goes


• is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Compartment syndrome tests

If you speak to your GP and they think you may have compartment syndrome, you may be referred to a specialist for tests.

Tests you may have include:

• an X-ray to check if you’ve broken a bone


• MRI scans while you’re resting and while you’re exercising


• compartment pressure measurement - a needle connected to a pressure monitoring device is inserted into your muscle before and after exercise to measure the pressure inside it. This is usually only recommended if your symptoms and other test results suggest compartment syndrome