Intermittent Claudication – What it Indicates

Intermittent claudication refers to the adverse or severe pain of the lower limbs while walking.This condition mostly affects men who have reached sixty years of age. The person experiences pain while walking and it gets relieved when he stops walking and takes rest.

Intermittent claudication is mostly suffered by those who also suffer from peripheral vascular disease (PVD) which is caused owing to insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to muscles. Death rate from strokes or heart attacks are more likely to occur in men suffering from peripheral vascular disease as compared to healthy people of the same age. The risk is increased if the person also suffers from high BP or diabetes.

During walking, the leg muscles work harder and hence need more oxygen as a result of which claudication develops during walking. When the muscles suffer from lack of blood-borne oxygen, it leads to pain.

Peripheral vascular disease which is the main cause for claudication can be prevented. Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise etc are the root causes for this disease. You can consult your doctor when you experience the symptoms of claudication. He can suggest ways and means by which you can avoid serious circulation problems. You must take efforts to reduce cholesterol, quit smoking and bring your weight under control. You can also take measures to control diabetes or high blood pressure if you happen to suffer from these conditions.

You must also take efforts to improve collateral circulation through exercise which will help the leg muscles to get extra blood supply. Through certain exercises blood can be made to reach the muscles by taking alternate routes if the main route is blocked. There are also some medications which may be prescribed to improve blood flow in the legs. You can also opt for surgery, whereby your narrow arteries can be replaced and blood flow can be restored to the affected muscles.