What Is Claudication? - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Pennsylvania Vascular Institute in King of Prussia, PA, also serving Philadelphia, PA, Lehigh Valley, PA, Pocono, PA, and Jim Thorpe, PA, offers endovascular services to help you maintain your health. Dr. James McGuckin and his dedicated medical team are here for you when you need help managing your heart health and more. Keep reading about claudication and come see us if you are in pain.

What Is Claudication?

Claudication is the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease. Claudication is described as muscle pain due to lack of oxygen, and is an example of peripheral artery disease or PAD. Peripheral artery disease affects arteries outside of the heart.

What Causes Claudication?

Claudication is caused by a lack of oxygen to the muscles. This happens when you have narrowed blood vessels due to the buildup of plaque, or fatty deposits, on the walls of your arteries.

What Are the Symptoms?

The first symptom you will notice is unfortunately the pain that occurs, usually in the calf. It typically feels like a leg cramp that is more intense while walking and dissipates while at rest.

How Do You Treat Claudication?

First, your doctor may use radiologic imaging or angiography to help them confirm a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in the treatment of PAD. If you smoke your doctor will recommend quitting smoking, and regular exercise is important for treating your symptoms. Exercise will help manage your weight and overall heart health.

Medications can help manage conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure that affect your heart. If your doctor determines you need surgery you could be treated with an angioplasty or vascular surgery.

If you're having pain in your leg, call Pennsylvania Vascular Institute. The skilled medical team of Dr. James McGuckin can help treat claudication in King of Prussia, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Lehigh Valley, PA, Pocono, PA, and Jim Thorpe, PA. Contact us for an appointment at (800) 296-9294.

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