Wonder what the actual diagnosis is. Would be interesting to hear.Its amazing that there's people that (even when it's explained to them), can't understand the difference between compression due to mechanical factors (muscle pushing on an artery), and peripheral vasoconstriction.
They are completely different things.
For those with PAES, blood flow is restricted via the popliteal artery because its being pressed on by surrounding muscles due to the mechanisms of running, kicking etc. This reduces oxygenated blood going to the tissue, resulting in anaerobic metabolism and a build up of waste products in the tissue which causes cramping, pain, swelling, aching, numbness, all that fun stuff.
The actual spasming etc doesn't tend to last long after exercise is ceased, but all the crap that has built up due to it is still there causing problems.
Peripheral vasoconstriction on the other hand is the narrowing of ALL the blood vessels in the extremity, and while it sounds detrimental to induce this in athletes who need to oxygenate their tissues, there is logic to it.
First, the mechanisms used to induce vasoconstriction dulls the response of the nerves, reducing the intensity of pain signals.
Secondly, vasoconstriction of the vessels is believed to help flush metabolic waste out of the tissues.
Third, when you stop applying the mechanisms that's causing vasoconstriction, vasodilation occurs quickly, returning blood flow to the area with oxygenated blood and washing out the waste products. This vasoconstriction/dilation cycle improves blood flow, oxygenation of the tissues, stimulates the lymphatic system which increases the rate at which waste can be eliminated, and assists with overall recovery.
Heck, vasoconstriction in the muscle would have reduced inflammation, reduced the overall size of the muscle, and taken pressure off the popliteal artery, increasing the potential for blood flow.
TL;DR: no, vasoconstriction wouldn't have caused his legs to fall off.
Friend of mine had this, presents similarly.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic exertional leg pain. The syndrome most commonly occurs in young adult recreational runners, elite athletes, and military recruits. CECS is caused by increased intracompartmental ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov