10 Claudication Symptoms

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Claudication. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/claudication/symptoms-causes/syc-20370952
• 2. 'Muscle Cramps & Spasms.' Healthy Aging: Muscle Cramps & Spasms | MUSC Health | Charleston SC, muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/cramps-and-spasms
• 3. 'Causes of Cold Feet.' Harvard Health, 16 Sept. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/causes-of-cold-feet
• 4. 'Viagra and Other Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: 'Understand How They Work.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20047821
• 5. 'Varicose Veins.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643

Medical Expert

More About Us

Claudication is the pain a person feels when their legs are getting insufficient amounts of blood during exercise. The lack of blood is due to plaque buildup in the arteries, which causes a blockage. The pain may occur in the thighs, calves and buttocks.

Claudication is commonly caused by peripheral artery disease, or PAD, a narrowing of the arteries, especially in the legs, due to plaque buildup.¹‘Claudication. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/claudication/symptoms-causes/syc-20370952 PAD isn't the sole cause. Other conditions, such as an aneurysm, damaged nerves or a narrowed spinal canal, may contribute to claudication.

Pain

Men aged 55 and over and women aged 60 and over are at greater risk of developing claudication. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and those who smoke, don't regularly exercise or are overweight are also at risk.

Pain in the legs and buttocks is a common symptom of claudication because of the reduced blood flow to the muscles. During exercise or physical activity, the pain might increase and can be felt from the feet through to the buttocks. The pain subsides or goes away when the activity or movement is halted.