Intermittent Claudication: What You Need to Know About This Condition and Its Treatment

15 Mar 2024

The human cardiovascular system is one of the most important mechanisms in the body. It consists of a network of arteries and veins which, when we neglect our health, will be the first affected by various diseases. One of these is intermittent claudication. What is this condition? At its core, it is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease that causes pain in the lower limbs.
Intermittent claudication can affect both women and men, manifesting through leg pain. It can have various symptoms and has multiple triggering factors.
In this article, we will discover more about this condition, its causes and symptoms. We will also see what treatments we can follow, and whether there are other remedies that can help us manage it.

Intermittent claudication: definition, causes and symptoms

Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease. Its name comes from Latin, where “claudicare” means to limp, and “intermittens” means interrupted. Therefore, its main characteristic is temporary limping gait caused by leg pain. It not only limits movement, but also affects quality of life. To understand exactly what this condition is, we need to go to the main disease.

Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease or PAD is a condition of the arteries that carry blood to muscles and tissues. When these narrow or become blocked, blood irrigation to leg muscles is insufficient, causing pain, cramps or both symptoms. Thus, it leads to the appearance of claudication, which manifests through discomfort while walking. What are its causes? This can develop for several reasons.

Causes of claudication

Because it appears more often in people over 50, we might be inclined to believe that this condition is a disease of old age. The reality is that it actually has many other causes. Claudication can appear as a result of other cardiovascular diseases, including:

atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, which affects blood vessels through lipid deposit accumulations on leg artery walls;
artery entrapment syndrome, most often blockage of the popliteal artery;
aortic or peripheral arterial dissection;
vasculitis;
thrombosis;
fibromuscular dysplasia;
blue toe syndrome;
vasospasm caused by Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Also, another frequent cause of claudication is unhealthy lifestyle. It’s important to be attentive to this aspect and supplement our diet with beneficial products when needed, such as Premium Aronia Joints & Muscles.
[cta_produs style=”style_1″ product=”178017″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3.-Cum-se-previne-si-trateaza-aceasta-afectiune_Premium-Joint-and-Muscles.jpg”]

Risk factors that can lead to claudication onset

What we need to understand is that cardiovascular diseases are often caused by a negligent lifestyle. This can have quite unpleasant consequences, one being even claudication installation. Risk factors associated with it are:

smoking;
sedentary lifestyle;
advanced age;
weight gain and even obesity;
family history of cardiovascular diseases or even claudication.

Besides these factors, there are other diseases that can cause claudication:

type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
arterial hypertension;
kidney diseases;
dyslipidemia or increased cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.

However, smoking is one of the most important risk factors and causes of intermittent claudication. All these causes can lead to various symptoms that must be analyzed by a cardiologist to make a diagnosis.
Symptoms of intermittent claudication
Claudication can have multiple symptoms, but most often it manifests through leg pain. It can appear in various parts of the limbs, such as at the level of soles, ankles, calves, thighs, and buttocks.
Claudication will be felt especially during walking, improving at rest. This can be a clear indication of this condition. However, advanced age along with fatigue are often associated with this disease. Therefore, it’s good to pay attention to its other manifestations, including:

sensation of numbness or tingling in lower limbs, the so-called paresthesias;
sensation of cold feet;
muscle cramps that can resemble burns;
changes in leg skin color, which can become pale or cyanotic (blue);
appearance of slow-healing wounds or ulcers (these appear especially in diabetic patients);
muscle atrophy;
brittle and fragile nails;
hair loss on the affected leg;
low blood pressure in lower limbs.

All these should lead us to a medical consultation in cardiology, but also other specialties if we know we suffer from other diseases. Claudication diagnosis can be made through several tests.

Intermittent claudication: diagnosing this condition

Many people suffering from intermittent claudication believe that the pain is caused by fatigue and old age. This behavior can lead to unpleasant consequences and worsening pain over time. Therefore, it’s very important to present to a doctor as soon as we feel the symptoms described above, to be diagnosed.
Because it can be confused with other conditions or rather, it itself can be a symptom of other diseases, specific tests must be performed for diagnosis. These are necessary first to determine its stage, and second, to establish the treatment course.

Investigations for detecting intermittent claudication

Claudication can be difficult to diagnose, especially since it can be confused with other cardiovascular diseases. The consultation will begin with patient history, followed by performing specific tests, such as:
Exercise test. This involves walking on a treadmill, during which blood pressure and heart rate are monitored. Also, claudication-specific pains can manifest during this test. Its importance also consists in the fact that the severity degree of its symptoms can be evaluated.
Ankle-brachial index. This is a parameter that compares blood pressure at ankle level with that at arm level. If the first is lower than the second, it can mean that arteries are narrowed, which can indicate a claudication diagnosis.
Doppler ultrasound. With its help, blood flow in arteries can be seen and it can be observed if there are narrowings or obstructions at their level.
Angiography. Often performed to diagnose heart diseases, this investigation can also be used in the case of intermittent claudication. It is more precise than Doppler ultrasound by providing much better visibility of arteries, identifying their problems.
Most often, to diagnose claudication, one or more tests are needed, but also symptom evaluation. These will help the doctor determine the type or stage of the condition to offer correct treatment.

Stages of intermittent claudication

There are two classifications according to which the stage of intermittent claudication can be established: Fontaine and Rutherford. According to each, this condition can have 4 stages.
According to the Fontaine classification, intermittent claudication has the following stages:

I – asymptomatic;
II – can be moderate or severe;
III – involves rest pain;
IV – involves ulcerations or gangrene in legs.

The Rutherford classification establishes the following stages for this condition:

I – mild claudication;
II – moderate claudication;
III – severe claudication;
IV – ulceration/gangrene with minor or major tissue loss;

Based on these stages, the treatment course for intermittent claudication will be established.

Prevention and amelioration of intermittent claudication

There are two important methods of claudication treatment: the first involves medication, and the second – lifestyle change and performing certain exercises. Also, there are certain dietary supplements that can help strengthen bones and joints, reducing pain.
Recommended medication for intermittent claudication
Medications for claudication amelioration are part of the class of those prescribed for cardiovascular diseases. Among these can be found:

medications for blood vessel dilation, which have the role of relaxing arteries, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clot formation;
statins, which are used to reduce cholesterol levels and can help prevent atheroma plaque accumulation;
anticoagulants, which are used to prevent blood clot formation;
medications for diabetes treatment, prescribed only to patients who suffer from this disease and can also help with intermittent claudication.

Most often, lifestyle changes and performing exercises are recommended, especially in the incipient stages of the condition.

Exercises for intermittent claudication

Movement is essential for a healthy lifestyle, often preventing the appearance of many cardiovascular diseases. But what do we do when these develop anyway? In the case of intermittent claudication, there are certain exercises that help ameliorate pain. Among them are:

walking at reduced intensity for 30 – 60 minutes per day;
lifting light weights, such as carrying bags or water bottles;
practicing sports with reduced impact on joints, such as yoga and fitness.

Whatever we choose, it’s important to understand that movement is the best exercise for intermittent claudication alongside lifestyle and dietary changes.

Intermittent claudication and lifestyle change

What does lifestyle change mean when it comes to claudication? Here are some recommendations:

quitting smoking, first of all;
moderate physical activity, even when we feel the pain caused by this condition;
giving up wearing tight clothes;
a balanced diet.

Among these, nutrition can play an essential role in preventing and ameliorating claudication. First, it helps maintain optimal weight. Second, it’s also beneficial for keeping other conditions under control, such as diabetes. Thus, introducing vegetables and fruits into the diet, as well as protein-rich products that support the muscular system, matters a lot.

Supplements that help ameliorate intermittent claudication pain

Among all supplements, Premium Aronia Joints & Muscles – stands out through its unique formula, which is based on collagen, MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, aronia juice, devil’s claw, Baikal skullcap, Aloe Vera and turmeric. These ingredients are known for supporting joint mobility and flexibility. Also, they contribute to maintaining strong articular cartilages, an essential aspect in claudication pain management. Based on an advanced formula, this dietary supplement represents a powerful ally in ameliorating joint problems and bone pain. Consuming 15 ml per day, you too can enjoy its proven benefits!
[cta_produs style=”style_2″ product=”178017″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2048x2048_joint.jpg”]
In conclusion, what is intermittent claudication? Although considered a symptom of peripheral arterial disease, it is itself a condition. It manifests through pain in lower limbs, in legs, in both women and men over 50. This is of several types and can have various stages.
Its diagnosis involves a set of tests performed by a cardiologist who can offer adequate treatment. The most important aspect is lifestyle change by giving up smoking and sedentary lifestyle. Also, exercises such as walking are essential in reducing claudication, and supplements can strengthen joints and cartilages, playing an essential role in maintaining our body’s health.
References:
Claudication
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21972-claudication
Claudication
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/claudication/symptoms-causes/syc-20370952#overview
Intermittent Claudication
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/intermittent-claudication#1-7
Cover image source: image by Freepik on Freepik.com

Blog