Claudication, Is Increasing Leg Cramps A Sign Of Cardiovascular Disease?

Not many are aware that just like the narrowing of coronary arteries of the heart causes heart attack, a similar type of blockage in the arteries elsewhere in the body like lower limbs may cause serious illnesses and claudication is one such condition.

“Claudication is intermittent pain, cramps, and uneasiness in the calves, lower limbs, thighs, and buttocks that occurs while walking, which gets relieved by rest, but the symptoms may reoccur. Lack or insufficient blood flow to the lower limbs is the key reason for this condition and this could be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused due to plaque storage in the arteries; Plaque sticks to the inner walls of the arteries and narrows the pathway blocking oxygen-rich blood flow from reaching other vital organs,” says Dr Krishna Chaitanya, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

Discomfort in the muscles, intermittent pain in the calf muscles, fatigue and at times pain in the shoulders biceps, and arms are some of the most common symptoms of claudication. “In severe cases, skin discoloration, cool skin, and wounds that don’t heal can be seen. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the health provider may recommend blood tests, a Doppler ultrasound, or an angiogram,” adds Dr Chaitanya.

Excessive weight/obesity, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, high sugar levels, and aging are the key reasons for claudication.

“Claudication is a chronic condition and management is crucial thus managing sugar levels, dietary adjustments that will help in weight management, quitting smoking, being active, and exercising on a daily basis are easy-to-adopt treatments. If required, depending on the severity, the health provider may suggest medications or intervention in the form of an open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure like an angioplasty,” signs off Dr Chaitanya.