This unusual but very real condition typically affects elite rowers , those involved in motocross as well as other high intensity sportsmen and women . It is characterised by intense pain , deadness, cramping , swelling of forearms and tenseness in the forearms. Physical enlargement as well as ‘hardness’ of the forearms is frequently described. It occurs predictably after a period of intense activity and is very debilitating. The oarsman or motorcyclist is often unable to continue and has to rest / abstain.
Diagnosis and investigations .
Diagnosis can be tricky but it is made largely on the symptoms and presentation . The investigations are not always helpful but it is important to exclude other causes of similar symptoms . MRI and nerve conduction studies are helpful in particular. It is difficult to re-create the symptoms so the investigations can be normal.
Management including surgery.
Initially non-operative treatments such as rest, activity modification , physiotherapy , icing , massage are all tried extensively. If these techniques do not help and the symptoms are debilitating then surgical decompression is considered.this involves full release of all affected compartments as well as potential decompression of nerves .
