Compartment syndrome, known to most motorcyclists as "arm pump", is a condition where constricted blood vessels restrict blood flow, leading to a buildup of pressure and, ultimately, pain. Riders feel it in their forearms, and it reduces their ability to use their hands with much force or dexterity—an extremely serious problem when riding the fastest bikes in the world.
And arm pump and racing motorcycles go together like playing darts and drinking pints. Like drinking pints, arm pump has ended some people's careers before they've started, and taken others out before they had the chance to peak. Now, we can confirm that it has been a major problem for MotoGP's young star, Pedro Acosta.
We're most used to seeing arm pump seriously affect motocross and supercross racers, and even cut careers short, as the once-promising phenom Adam Cinciarulo will attest to after he moved from the 250 to the 450 class. And ever since Acosta's first race in the premier class, it has been speculated that he has suffered from the condition.
