The compartments usually have nerve and blood supplies separate from their neighbours.

The septa are formed from the fascia which is made up of a strong type of connective tissue.

[3] The thickness of the fascia can give problems when any inflammation present in the leg has little room to expand into.

Blood vessels and nerves can also be affected by the pressure caused by any swelling in the leg.

If the pressure becomes great enough, blood flow to the muscle can be blocked, leading to a condition known as compartment syndrome.