Intermittent Claudication
Intermittent claudication is characterized by an asymmetrical and irregular gait caused by leg pain. This pain is the result of physical activity such as walking and disappears after a few minutes of rest.
Causes and triggers
Intermittent claudication occurs when blood does not adequately flow through the legs. The reason is usually fatty plaques accumulated inside the arteries. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood (purified) to the limbs. Fatty plaques in the arteries reduces oxygen in the muscles, which causes cramping and pain during exertion. The arms can also be affected.
Certain groups are more prone to suffering from intermittent claudication. Main risk factors are the following:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Aging
- Being overweight
- High cholesterol
Symptoms
Symptoms of intermittent claudication can vary according to the effort required, and disappear when resting. Main symptoms are pain, fatigue or cramps to muscles in action. The parts of the body more likely to be affected are the following:
- Calves
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Feet
Other symptoms can occur at a more advanced stage, like erection problems or cold limbs. Also, when blood circulation is really difficult, wounds may be slow to heal.
Treatment
The first thing to do is to incorporate walking into your daily routine. Walking a minimum of about 30 minutes 3 times a week improves blood flow in the legs. Avoid all foot injuries, as they promote infection and tend to heal slowly. Here are the main recommendations for good foot care:
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing
- Moisturize your feet, but avoid areas between the toes
- Cut your toenails carefully to avoid ingrown toenails
- Wear comfortable shoes to prevent blisters and corn
It is also important to consider reducing the risk factors. It is therefore recommended to stop smoking, curb alcohol consumption and avoid high-fat foods. It is of course recommended to treat diseases that increase the risk of intermittent claudication, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Medications that prevent blood clots from forming and causing complications may be prescribed. Other medications can make it easier for oxygen to reach the muscles.
If you experience pain even while at rest, angioplasty may be recommended. This procedure involves inserting a small balloon into the artery to unblock it. And lastly, in rare cases, amputating part of the leg may be necessary to remove dead tissue.
When should I see a health care professional?
Consult your health care provider in the following cases:
- You have pain in the limbs even at rest
- You have wounds that are taking longer than usual to heal
- Your limb feels cold or numb
- Your limb is turning black or becomes suddenly pale