de Bruijn et al identified clinical findings which can help to distinguish chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in an older adult with exercise-induced lower limb pain.
Patient selection: adult >= 50 years of age with exercise-induced lower limb pain
Finding
CECS
PAD
symptoms at rest
yes
no
onset of pain after starting to exercise
late (> 10 minutes), before 5 minutes unusual
early (before 5 minutes, up to 10)
altered skin sensation
yes
no
muscle weakness and tightness
yes
no
exercise cessation
discomfort persists longer, often > 4 minutes
completely alleviates pain
Another factor may be age of onset. A patient with CECS may have a history starting prior to 50 years of age.
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