Intermittent Claudication: Causes, Symptoms and treatments

What is meant by Intermittent claudication?

Intermittent claudication is a type of irritation one experiences in their limbs, mainly in the calves and rarely in the thighs or buttocks. It is called intermittent claudication due to the irregular nature of claudication pain. In this condition, one experiences discomfort after a short amount of exercise or activity, mainly walking. The pain experienced subsides as one begins to rest. Once the agony caused is reduced, one can indulge in the same activity for a similar amount of time before the cycle begins once more.

This condition is very common in individuals above the age of 60. Since intermittent claudication causes cramps, numbness, tingling, and pain during an activity many confuse it with the unwanted sign of ageing as the claudication pain is relieved at rest. This condition arises in one out of five individuals in the mentioned age group and may lead to serious conditions if claudication treatment is not given at the right time. The reason for intermittent claudication originally is a blockage in arteries which prevents an adequate supply of blood to the necessary muscles to carry out the activity. Intermittent Claudication is a symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease, a type of vascular disease. The peripheral arteries provide oxygen-rich blood to limbs. Stoppage of this flow is one of the main claudication causes. The obstruction in these blood vessels might be a buildup of cholesterol or plaque. In some cases, it could even be a damaged artery. One experiences claudication pain during movement as being at rest does not demand as much oxygen from the blood. However, if claudication treatment is not conducted at the right time, irritation may start arising even while staying still. The mortality rate in intermittent claudication is low due to peripheral artery disease which can cause stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms of Intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is a type of pain caused by a lack of oxygen flow in particular areas of the body during an activity. This pain is relieved when one rests and continues when one begins to exercise again. Claudication symptoms include pain, soreness, numbness, tingling sensations, and even cramps in the affected area.

Another prominent claudication symptom would be the distance one covers before claudication pain kicks in. After adequate rest this person will experience similar discomfort after they cover the same distance, this is also known as claudication distance. There are other claudication symptoms that appear in further stages of intermittent claudication include,

1. Discoloured skin
2. Patches
3. Loss of hair in the affected area
4. Sores 
5. Constant aches

Causes of Intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is an indication of peripheral artery disease, a disease where the peripheral arteries start narrowing down due to the build-up of blockages in them. These blockages may include cholesterol, plaque, fats, piling of cell waste, or blood cells which might encourage this stoppage by damaging the artery walls. There are other claudication causes such as aneurysms in one’s abdomen or limbs, impaired nerves or peripheral neuropathy, and spinal stenosis, a condition of the spine. 

Treatment of Intermittent claudication

Depending on the development of intermittent claudication treatment for claudication pain comprises three steps, mainly exercise, medication, and surgical procedures. Depending on one’s lifestyle one might need to cease smoking, maintain or reduce their weight, moderate diet, and develop an exercise routine to encourage blood flow.

It is crucial to managing blood pressure, sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels. Medications that improve the blood flow are prescribed usually along with medicines to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Other medications such as anti-platelet drugs might be prescribed to minimize the risk of clotting and further damage to blood vessels.

In severe cases, surgery methods such as angioplasty and vascular surgery are taken into consideration.

Risk factors involved

Factors such as age, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes along with habits such as smoking and lack of exercise increase the chances of intermittent claudication. Having a family history of certain cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease must also be considered as one of the risk factors for intermittent claudication.

Dealing with claudication

When dealing with claudication one can make good changes to lifestyle and habits to improve the quality of life. These include cessation of smoking as well as regular exercises suggested by the doctor. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial and important. One must take great care of their legs as injuries won’t heal as effectively when dealing with intermittent claudication.

Procedures involved

Surgical procedures are recommended by doctors in extreme cases where ample flow of blood does not reach affected limbs. The procedures which are taken into consideration are angioplasty and vascular surgery. Both of the approaches are vastly different and effective in their own ways. 

1. Angioplasty- a procedure where the affected blood vessel is widened and is kept so by inserting a metal or plastic tube.
2. Vascular surgery- a procedure where a healthy blood vessel from one’s body is used to replace the affected artery as the blood flows from this path instead of the blocked one.

Even after procedures if certain measures and restrictions are not followed the artery might face a similar blockage again.

Prevention

Intermittent claudication is a condition that can be prevented by making the correct lifestyle choices. One’s chances of suffering from claudication pain are drastically reduced when exercising, quitting smoking and a healthy diet are taken into consideration. For a person suffering from diabetes, moderating sugar levels and keeping them low is significant while avoiding intermittent claudication.

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