Treatment

Surgery is the only way to correct the abnormal calf muscle and free the trapped artery. Your doctor will likely recommend surgery if your symptoms significantly affect your everyday or athletic activities.

During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the inner calf just below the knee, or in the back of the knee, to release the abnormal calf muscle and give the artery more room. This will prevent the calf muscle from pressing on the artery in the future. Surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about an hour. Typically, you'll need to stay in the hospital for one day.

If you've had the condition for a long time, you may need artery bypass surgery. Bypass surgery is usually done only on those who have severe narrowing of the artery (stenosis) due to long-term popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

Surgery to release the calf muscle and artery usually doesn't affect leg function. When the condition is diagnosed and treated early, a full recovery is expected, and your symptoms should disappear.