Summary about Disease
Intermittent claudication is a symptom caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is characterized by muscle pain, ache, cramp, numbness, or sense of fatigue in the legs, typically in the calf, thigh, or buttock, that occurs during exercise, such as walking, and is relieved by rest within 10 minutes. It is a sign that the arteries in the legs are narrowed, reducing blood flow to the muscles.
Symptoms
Pain, ache, cramp, numbness, or fatigue in the muscles of the legs or feet, usually in the calf.
Pain typically occurs during exercise (walking, running).
Pain is relieved by rest within a few minutes.
Location of pain depends on the location of the narrowed artery.
Can also experience:
Weakness in the legs
Numbness or coldness in the lower leg or foot
Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal
Change in the color of your legs
Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
Slower growth of toenails
Shiny skin on your legs
Weak or absent pulse in your feet or legs
Causes
Intermittent claudication is primarily caused by:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This is most often caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up on the artery walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs.
Other less common causes include: blood vessel inflammation, injury to limbs, radiation exposure
Medicine Used
Medications for intermittent claudication aim to improve blood flow, reduce the risk of blood clots, and manage other risk factors. Common medications include:
Antiplatelet medications: Aspirin, Clopidogrel
Cilostazol: Helps to improve blood flow to the legs by widening the arteries and preventing platelets from clumping together.
Pentoxifylline: Reduces blood viscosity and improves red blood cell flexibility.
Statins: To lower cholesterol levels and stabilize plaque in the arteries.
Medications to control blood pressure and diabetes: Managing these conditions can help slow the progression of PAD.
Is Communicable
No, intermittent claudication is not a communicable disease. It is a result of underlying vascular disease and not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens PAD.
Manage underlying conditions: Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Regular exercise: Supervised exercise programs can improve walking distance and reduce symptoms.
Healthy diet: Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Foot care: Inspect your feet daily for sores or injuries.
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to move around and improve circulation.
Proper footwear: Wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
How long does an outbreak last?
Intermittent Claudication is not an outbreak. It is a chronic condition. The symptoms appear during exercise and subside after a few minutes of rest. The underlying PAD is a long-term condition.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam: Checking pulses in the legs and feet, looking for signs of poor circulation.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Comparing blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. An ABI less than 0.9 indicates PAD.
Doppler Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the arteries.
Angiography: Using X-rays or MRI with contrast dye to visualize the arteries. (CTA or MRA)
Blood tests: To check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other risk factors.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial Stage: Pain occurs only after walking a certain distance.
Progression: The distance that triggers pain decreases over time.
Advanced Stage: Pain may occur even at rest (rest pain).
Acute Events: Sudden worsening of symptoms may indicate a blood clot or other acute vascular event.
Note: This timeline can vary significantly from person to person.
Important Considerations
Intermittent claudication can significantly impact quality of life due to limitations in mobility.
It is a marker for increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.
Lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, diet, exercise) are essential components of management.
If symptoms worsen or change suddenly, seek immediate medical attention.