Claudication is pain in the legs or arms that occurs during exercise. The pain is caused by too little blood flow to the legs or arms. Claudication is usually a symptom of narrowed arteries in the legs and arms, a condition called peripheral artery disease.

Understanding the Context

A buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, often causes it. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. This condition also may be called peripheral arterial disease. In PAD, the legs or arms β€” usually the legs β€” don't get enough blood flow to keep up with demand.

Key Insights

This may cause leg pain when walking, called claudication, and other symptoms. Claudication is pain in the legs or arms that occurs while walking or using the arms. The pain is caused by too little blood flow to the legs or arms. Claudication is usually a symptom of peripheral artery disease, in which the arteries that supply blood to the arms or legs, usually the legs, are narrowed. The narrowing is usually due to a buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, on the ...

Final Thoughts

Before my surgery, I had severe stenosis at L4-L5, degenerative disc disease and neurogenic claudication. My symptoms were pain, weakness and numbness of lower back, hips, buttocks, thighs and feet. Drug-coated stents and balloons were not associated with reduced risk of amputation or improved quality of life compared with uncoated devices in two trials in peripheral artery disease (PAD), ... Medical Dialogues: Semaglutide Improves Walking Capacity in Peripheral Artery Disease: STRIDE Trial Researchers have found in the STRIDE trial that semaglutide significantly improved walking capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The benefit was consistent across different ... Claudication may go undiagnosed because some people may think pain is a typical part of aging.

Some people might become less active to avoid the pain. To diagnose claudication, a member of your care team examines you and checks the pulse in your arms and legs. The care team member will likely ask questions about health history and lifestyle habits. The team does tests to check the blood flow.