Claudication

Definition

Claudication is typically a symptom found in other conditions, and in some cases is related to peripheral artery disease or PAD. It is the pain that is felt while moving or walking and occurs when not enough blood flows to leg muscles during exercise.

When the pain is not constant, the condition is also called intermittent claudication (IC).

Claudication can occur in people much earlier than age 50 who smoke, as well as those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels.

  • Pain that improves after resting

  • Pain, aches, or discomfort in muscles

  • Pain in hips, legs, or feet

  • In rare cases, pain in shoulders and arms

Damage to peripheral arteries is usually attributed to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). A build-up of plaques limits the flow of blood by narrowing and stiffening the artery. Other risk factors include:

  • Being overweight

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Over the age of 70

  • Smoking

Prevention is always a first line of defense by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing medical conditions like diabetes or obesity. 

An exercise regimen as recommended by your physician, such as a walking program, can reduce claudication pain and improve vascular health. Medications may also be prescribed to control pain and manage any vascular conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the formation of blood clots.   

You can depend on the expert team of medical professionals at Vascular Tyler to help you determine your best treatment options, based on your test results.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 903.533.8702.

Testimonials

The Patient Experience

Dr. Robbins looked at my imaging and made an appointment that same day for me to come in. At Vascular Tyler, it’s just like a family environment every time I come in here. If I have to go the doctor’s (office), this is where I want to go.
L. Cunningham, Patient
We don’t want to spend a whole lot of time with rehabilitation or in some sort of medical facility, so it was great discovering that there’s only little or no downtime. It was a matter of hours instead of days or weeks.
B. Finch, Patient
I had excruciating pain and was told I needed a knee replacement. But Dr. Robbins said I just need vascular surgery. They gave me relief from my pain, and they’re kind and interested in you as a patient and a person. This is the place to come.
M. Finch, Patient

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