Claudication: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of claudication?

Claudication refers to pain or cramping in the legs that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and is usually caused by a narrowed artery in the leg. The symptoms of claudication can include:

1. Pain, cramping, or weakness in the calf, thigh, hip, or buttock muscles, especially during exercise or physical activity.
2. Pain that subsides with rest.
3. Pain that is triggered by the same amount of activity and relieved by rest in a consistent manner.
4. Numbness or a tingling sensation in the legs or feet.
5. Coldness or change in color of the skin in the affected limb.

It’s important to note that claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a condition where there is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, usually due to atherosclerosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of claudication, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

What are the causes of claudication?

Claudication is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the muscles. This reduced blood flow leads to oxygen deprivation in the muscles, causing pain and cramping during physical activity. Other causes of claudication can include:

1. Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This is the most common cause of claudication. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis.
2. Buerger’s disease: This is a rare disease that causes inflammation and clots in the blood vessels, leading to narrowing or blockage.
3. Arterial embolism or thrombosis: Blood clots or debris can block arteries in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow and claudication.
4. Aortic aneurysm: A bulge in the aorta (the main artery of the body) can compress the arteries that supply the legs, leading to claudication.
5. Other causes: Rarely, other conditions such as arterial dissection, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), or arterial compression syndromes can cause claudication.

Risk factors for developing claudication include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of PAD or cardiovascular disease.

What is the treatment for claudication?

The treatment for claudication aims to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

1. Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise can improve symptoms and slow the progression of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
2. Medications: Medications such as antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) and statins may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and lower cholesterol levels, respectively.
3. Exercise therapy: Supervised exercise programs, such as walking programs, can improve symptoms and increase walking distance in people with claudication.
4. Medication to improve walking distance: Medications such as cilostazol can improve walking distance and quality of life in some people with claudication.
5. Angioplasty and stenting: In some cases, a procedure called angioplasty may be performed to widen the narrowed artery and improve blood flow. A stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
6. Surgery: In severe cases, bypass surgery may be recommended to reroute blood flow around the blocked artery.
7. Symptom management: Pain medications or other treatments may be used to manage pain and improve quality of life.

Treatment for claudication is typically tailored to the individual based on the underlying cause, overall health, and severity of symptoms. It’s important for individuals with claudication to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs.

Can you live a long life with claudication?

Claudication, typically caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a condition characterized by pain or cramping in the legs due to poor circulation. While it can impact your quality of life, especially with activities like walking, it doesn’t usually shorten life expectancy on its own. However, PAD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, which can affect longevity. Managing PAD through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, potentially allowing for a long and healthy life.

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.