Definition
Intermittent claudication is defined as an aching pain in the leg muscles, usually the calf, that is precipitated by walking and is relieved by rest.
Key Points
- Claudication pain is always reversible and relieved by rest.
- Claudication tends to improve with time and exercise due to the opening up of new collateral supply vessels and improved muscle function.
- The site of disease is one level higher than the highest level of affected muscles, e.g. disease in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) produces calf claudication.
- Most patients with claudication have associated vascular disease and investigation for occult coronary or cerebrovascular is mandatory.
- All patients with peripheral vascular disease should be commenced on an antiplatelet agent and a statin, and be encouraged to exercise and stop smoking.
- Cauda equina ischaemia caused by osteoarthritis of the spine can also cause intermittent claudication.
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