Intermittent claudication is a condition characterized by pain in one or both legs when walking or exercising, which subsides when resting. It is caused by a buildup of fatty material and plaque within the arteries, leading to poor blood flow to the leg muscles. This condition is a symptom of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

– Buildup of plaque within the arteries (atherosclerosis).

– Plaque narrows and stiffens the arteries, restricting blood flow to the leg muscles during activity.

– Risk factors for developing intermittent claudication include smoking, personal history of stroke or heart disease, age, inactivity, overweight, family history of atherosclerosis, and underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

– Pain, aches, or cramps in the feet, calf, thigh, hip, or buttock during physical activity.

– Feeling of tightness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs.

– Non-healing or poorly healing wounds on the lower leg or foot.

– Diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history.

– Tests include the ankle-brachial index (ABI) to compare blood pressure in legs and arms, exercise ankle-brachial test to assess walking ability, arterial duplex ultrasound, CT angiogram (CTA), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), and angiogram.

– Blood tests may also be performed.

– Treatment aims to manage underlying causes and risk factors.

– Lifestyle changes like exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation can help improve symptoms.

– Medication may be prescribed to restore blood flow through the legs.

– If symptoms persist or worsen, further treatment options include angioplasty (using an inflated balloon to open a blocked artery), stent implantation (using a mesh-like tube to open a blocked artery), or surgery to create a bypass around a blocked area.

– Maintain a healthy weight and adopt a low-saturated fat and calorie diet.

– Quit smoking and avoid nicotine and tobacco products.

– Follow prescribed exercise programs.

– Work with healthcare providers to manage other health conditions that may increase the risk of intermittent claudication.

– Pain does not go away with rest.

– Wounds on legs do not heal or show signs of infection.

– Symptoms do not improve with treatment.

– Experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, cold or discolored leg/foot, or numbness, which may indicate a serious problem.

Intermittent claudication is pain in the legs during activity caused by poor blood flow due to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical options may be used to treat this condition.

Working with healthcare providers to manage risk factors is essential for overall health.