Intermittent Claudication
Intermittent claudication is muscle pain that happens when you are active and stops when you rest. The pain may also intensify and can interfere with your simple activities.
What are the Symptoms of Intermittent Claudication?
- Pain, discomfort, and fatigue in muscles
- Pain in the calves, hips, thighs, and feet
- Pain in the forearm, biceps, and shoulders
Severe symptoms may also occur over time and may result in warning symptoms of peripheral artery disease, usually in more-advanced stages, including:
- Severe and constant pain
- Pain that progresses to numbness
- Cool skin
- Skin discoloration
- Wounds that do not heal
What is the Most Common Cause of Claudication?
Atherosclerosis is the common cause of claudication. It causes a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. The plaque or build-up causes the arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot. Other condition that causes claudication includes:
- A bulging artery in your belly or leg
- Narrowed spinal canal
- Damaged nerves
Intermittent Claudication Treatment
The goal of the treatment for claudication is to reduce the pain and manage the risk factors that contribute to heart and blood vessel disease. Exercise is one of the treatment activities that reduces pain, increases exercise duration, and improves vascular health in the affected limbs. Surgery and other procedure include:
- Angioplasty. This procedure improves blood flow by widening a damaged artery.
- Vascular surgery. This type of surgery replaces the vessel that is causing claudication and allows blood to flow around the blocked or narrowed artery.
Cilostazol for Intermittent Claudication Treatment
Cilostazol is a medication used to help the symptoms of intermittent claudication in peripheral vascular disease. It increases blood flow and the amount of oxygen that gets to the muscles. Cilostazol also stops platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful clots.
Treatment Medications Used for Claudication
Doctors often recommend one or more medications to control pain and manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It often includes medications for high cholesterol, pain, high blood pressure, and medicine for other cardiovascular risks.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Intermittent Claudication
- Quit smoking. Peripheral artery disease complications are greatly increased by smoking. Talk to your health care provider if you need help quitting.
- Foot care. It is important to know how to inspect your feet properly so that injuries can be treated as soon as possible. Support and protect your feet by wearing socks and appropriate shoes.
- Exercise. Keeping your heart healthy and managing your weight requires regular exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet. Reduce your fat intake by eating a variety of low-starch vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, along with modest portions of lean meats, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products.