What disease causes intermittent claudication?

The main cause of intermittent claudication is a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). That condition happens with atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of a wax-like substance called plaque on the inside of your arteries. As that buildup gets worse, there’s less room for blood to flow through those arteries.

Is intermittent claudication the same as peripheral artery disease?

Claudication is pain in the legs or arms that occurs while walking or using the arms. The pain is caused by too little blood flow to the legs or arms. Claudication is usually a symptom of peripheral artery disease, in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs are narrowed.

What does intermittent claudication pain feel like?

Claudication is a symptom of a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Typical symptoms of claudication include: Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk. Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores.

How do you treat intermittent claudication?

Treatment for intermittent claudication may include one or more of the following:

  1. Smoking cessation.
  2. Exercise, preferably a walking program.
  3. Treatment of related medical problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and/or high blood sugar levels (glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes).

How long can you live with intermittent claudication?

Of those who have the symptoms of intermittent claudication over a five-year period around 5-10 per cent will develop critical limb ischaemia, the most severe form of PAD. With critical limb ischaemia the outlook is poor – half of patients are likely to die within five years.

What are symptoms of intermittent claudication?

Other symptoms related to intermittent claudication include: An aching or burning feeling. Blotchy or shiny skin on your leg or foot….During exercise, when your muscles need more blood, intermittent claudication can cause problems including:

  • Cramping.
  • Numbness.
  • Pain.
  • Tingling.
  • Weakness.

Is a peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold or stress.

What is the treatment for intermittent claudication?

Treatment for intermittent claudication may include one or more of the following: Smoking cessation. Exercise, preferably a walking program. Treatment of related medical problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and/or high blood sugar levels (glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes).

Is intermittent claudication curable?

If PAD is the cause of intermittent claudication, it’s treatable but not curable. Physical therapy can improve walking distance. Drugs and surgery can treat PAD and minimize its risk factors. Aggressive treatment to minimize risk factors is advised.

What is claudication in arterial occlusive disease?

Claudication, which is defined as reproducible ischemic muscle pain, is one of the most common manifestations of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) caused by atherosclerosis. Claudication occurs during physical activity and is relieved after a short rest. Pain develops because of inadequate blood flow.

What is the pathophysiology of intermittent claudication?

In the vast majority of cases atherosclerosis is the underlying pathology in intermittent claudication.

What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis and intermittent claudication?

Cigarette smoking is by far the most potent risk factor for development of peripheral atherosclerosis and intermittent claudication (fig 1​1),), increasing the risk at least threefold, and the higher the numbers of pack years the more severe the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of intermittent arterial occlusive disease (paod)?

Intermittent claudication typically causes pain that occurs with physical activity. Other signs and symptoms associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) include the following: Pain is reproducible within same muscle groups; pain ceases with a resting period of 2-5 minutes.