Described is a new method of treating chronic compartment syndrome in a muscle of a mammal, particularly exertional compartment syndrome comprising introducing an effective amount of a nerve-blocking toxin, such as human botulinum toxin into the muscle. Further in addition to treating chronic or exertional compartment syndrome, a method is included in the disclosure of confirming diagnosis of exertional compatlment syndrome in a muscle of a mammal. In the method, venous compression and/or expansion in a mammal in an area of a muscle having a symptom associated with exertional compartment syndrome is evaluated by comparing venous flow at rest and after stress on the muscle. An anaesthetic is used to block a nerve supplying motor function to the muscle causing compression of a blood vessel. The mammal is evaluated after the block of the nerve to determine if the symptom associated with exertional compartment syndrome is alleviated.
METHOD OF TREATING AND CONFIRMING DIAGNOSIS OF EXERTIONAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME