Claudication: Cramping In Legs

Claudication is referred to the pain or cramping in the lower leg which is caused when sufficient blood supply does not reach the muscles in the leg.

Causes of claudication

It is caused due to over exertion and goes off with rest. Claudication is intermittent by nature because it comes with exertion and goes away with rest. It is caused due to temporary inadequate supply of oxygen to the leg muscles. Due to less oxygen the arteries shrink and less blood is supplied to the leg muscles.

So when a person exercises too much or exerts himself very much then more of blood is required to the muscles which become less in this situation and pain starts. As this whole procedure is temporary that is why it is termed as intermittent.

Intermittent claudication is a disease that can be result of many diseases. Some of these diseases could be high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, reduction in physical activities and some family history of arterial diseases. This is so dangerous that it can be the cause of heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of claudication

The very initial symptom of claudication is limping which is caused due to cramping. Some other symptoms could be frequent cramps, cannot walk without limping, paralysis, low temperature, loss of hair, fatigue and tightening of muscles in legs and buttocks.

Management

The very initial step to be taken when you come to know about his disease is stop smoking if you are a smoker. Tell your doctor and get rid of cholesterol and hypertension. Exercise to stay fit and fine if the condition is due to lack of mobility. Tell your dietician and take a healthy diet chart from him. Reduce your cholesterol. Also keep your weight under control.

Mainly men are attacked by this disease rather than women. If nothing is getting better ask your doctor if would give you some medication to improve you blood flow. This would really help a lot. Sometimes if the condition is very severe then you would have to undergo angioplasty in which the narrow arteries are widened using special techniques.