Definition
Blockage of leg arteries results from poor circulation of blood in the leg arteries. This produces an aching, tired, and sometimes burning
pain in the legs that is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. Claudication refers to the limping that occurs from
leg cramps.
Alternative Names
Intermittent claudication; Vaso-occlusive disease of the legs; Arterial insufficiency of the legs; Recurrent leg pain; Recurrent leg cramping; Calf pain with exercise
Considerations
Intermittent claudication may occur in both legs, and it often continues to worsen over time. However, some people complain only of weakness in the legs when walking, or a feeling of "tiredness" in the buttocks.
Impotence is an occasional complaint in men. Pain at rest is uncommon.
Causes
This condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis obliterans - peripheral vascular disease). Blockage of arteries can occur anywhere in the body. If they occur in the heart, a person may experience angina or even a heart attack. If they occur in the neck or the brain, a person may have a stroke.
Intermittent claudication is when the blockage occurs in the legs, most commonly in the calf or the foot. It occurs only at certain times, such as after a period of walking and is relieved by rest.
Atherosclerosis, or blockage of arteries, can occur for many reasons such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
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