Claudication
Claudication Causes
Claudication is a pain in the leg muscles that may also occur in the arteries of the arms. The condition is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease in which the arteries supplying blood to the limbs are damaged. An individual with a family history of atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, or claudication is at risk of developing claudification. Other factors also include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and age over 50 years old.
Claudication Definition
Claudication is a leg pain that is often a symptom of peripheral arterial disease, which is a potentially serious but treatable circulation problem.
Claudication Diagnosis
The doctor diagnoses the condition based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and results of appropriate tests. Tests commonly performed by doctors include checking the pulses on the feet, ankle-brachial index, doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging or angiography.
Claudication Symptoms and Signs
Patients with claudication may feel pain during exercise, intermittent pain, pain when resting, or have discolored skin or ulcerations.
Claudication Treatment
The condition is treated to prevent it from worsening or reduce the symptoms. If adopting a healthier lifestyle does not ease the symptoms, doctors may recommend medications, angioplasty, vascular surgery, thrombolytic therapy, or hyperbaric chamber.
Drugs used for treatment of Claudication
Pletal
Trental