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Intermittent Claudication

Pain in the lower limbs triggered by walking and relieved by rest due to arterial stenosis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Intermittent Claudication?

Intermittent claudication is muscle pain, cramping or fatigue brought on by walking and caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the lower limb arteries. Pain usually starts after the same walking distance and resolves within a few minutes of rest.

Claudication is assessed with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.9. Disease severity is classified using the Fontaine or Rutherford systems. Patients with claudication have an increased risk of coronary and cerebrovascular events.

Treatment includes lifestyle modification, a structured walking program, medical therapy (antiplatelet, statin, cilostazol) and, in selected cases, interventional or surgical revascularization.

Symptoms

Calf, thigh or buttock pain with walking
Pain resolving with rest
Cold feet and color changes
Thickened nails and hair loss
Slowly healing wounds
Weak pulses
Nocturnal foot pain in advanced disease

Risk Factors

Smoking
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Dyslipidemia
Advanced age
Obesity and inactivity
Coronary artery disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Progressively shortening walking distance
  • Foot pain at rest
  • Color change or non-healing wound on the foot
  • Absent foot pulses
  • Associated coronary or cerebrovascular symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Smoking cessation
02
Structured supervised walking exercise program
03
Antiplatelet therapy and high-intensity statin
04
Cilostazol when not contraindicated
05
Strict risk factor control
06
Angioplasty, stenting or bypass in appropriate candidates

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.