CLAUDICATION

General Information

DEFINITION--A feeling of muscle fatigue or cramp-like pain, usually in one or both legs. The discomfort occurs after minimal exercise, such as a short walk, and is normally relieved by resting. The disorder poses no immediate or even long-term danger.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--The calf is more frequently affected, but it can occur in the thighs, buttocks, hips or feet.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--It is more common in men than women, particularly men over age 55.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain, tension, weakness in the limb.
• Pain occurs while walking and pain stops when resting.
• Unable to walk distances.
• Loss of the hair on the toes.
• Lameness or limping.

CAUSES

• Blockage or narrowing of the arteries of the legs due to atherosclerosis.
• Rarer cause is spinal stenosis (pressure on nerve roots that pass into either leg).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Heart disease.
• Hyperlipidemia (fatty substances in the blood are higher than normal).

HOW TO PREVENT

• Stop smoking.
• Weight loss, if obese.
• Routine exercise program.
• Minimize the amount of saturated fats in the diet.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Doppler ultrasound and arteriography (See Glossary for both) may be conducted to help rule out other disorders.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Balloon angioplasty for treatment in select patients.
• Various surgical procedures, depending on the site of the disease and health of patient, are available for more severe cases.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME--Gradual improvement in ability to walk distances without pain.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Routine exercise is important.
• A stop smoking program is essential. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
• Elevate head of bed with 4-6 inch blocks.
• Get treatment for control of high blood pressure if needed.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Low doses of aspirin.
• Special medication to increase blood flow.

ACTIVITY--

• Daily exercise program. Walking as much as possible (up to 4-5 miles a day), resting if pain or discomfort occurs, and then walking again. Walk on level ground. Keep a log of progress in walking distances.
• Other daily activities performed as normal.

DIET--

• Weight loss program if overweight.
• Low-fat diet may be helpful (see Low-fat Diet in Appendix).

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of claudication.
• You experience chest pain, shortness of breath or rapid heart beat during exercise program.
• New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.