Intermittent Claudication: A Cause of Leg Cramps

intermittent claudication in plano txThe body relies on circulation to ensure that all parts and tissue receive the nourishment they need. When this process is impaired by a condition like peripheral arterial disease, it can lead to a range of issues, including intermittent claudication. Being able to understand and recognize claudication may actually play a big role in keeping you safe from serious medical emergencies.

Peripheral Arterial and Vascular Diseases

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are related conditions where the vessels that allow blood to flow to and from the heart become narrowed. These conditions can seriously affect your circulation and need to be addressed. For some individuals, there are no symptoms present. When there a symptom does exist, it is often intermittent claudication.

Leg Cramps during Activity

Essentially, claudication is pain experienced when blood flow is too little, especially during physical activity. When present, it will typically affect the legs, although some patients report feeling it in their arms as well. Initially, the pain will only be noticed while you are active, but as the condition progresses, pain also can be felt during periods of rest. In addition to pain, other symptoms include weakness, a burning or aching feeling, and ulcerations or discolored skin.

Intermittent claudication is typically considered to be a symptom of either PAD or PVD. With either of these conditions, narrowed blood vessels can harden over time as they are clogged with plaque and cholesterol buildup. Other conditions can also cause claudication, like spinal stenosis, deep venous thrombosis, and some musculoskeletal conditions.

Claudication Risk Factors and Complications

Risk factors that make it more likely for an individual to have this problem include obesity, diabetes, smoking, old age, family history, and high cholesterol and/or blood pressure. One of the complications of this problem is the reduced ability for the body to heal injuries, which is particularly concerning for those who live with diabetes. This can create a situation where ulcers or cuts become gangrenous and limb amputation becomes necessary.

Professional Treatment

The three main approaches for professional treatment are medication, angioplasty, or vascular surgery.

Medications that might be used include ones to prevent clotting, reduce symptoms, lower cholesterol, and improve circulation.

Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blood vessels to increase circulation. Once a vessel has been widened, a stent or small metal tube is placed inside to keep the artery open.

Vascular surgery will typically entail replacing a damaged vessel with a healthy one to alleviate symptoms.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Choices

With regard to both home remedies and prevention measures, we strongly advise our patients to consider making healthy lifestyle choices to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of the condition developing in the first place. These include such steps as quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, keeping tabs on cholesterol levels, and eating a well-balanced, nutritionally sound diet.

First-Class Care for Intermittent Claudication in Plano, TX

Treatment for this condition is an important service we provide at Dallas Podiatry Works. In addition to addressing painful symptoms, we can help you lower the risk of dangerous medical conditions like heart attacks and strokes. We are foot doctors, but our concern is with your entire well-being and health. You matter to us and we want to keep you safe!

Contact us today for more information by calling 972.853.7100 or schedule an appointment at either our Dallas or Plano, TX podiatrist office online today. We can diagnose your condition and ensure that you receive the care you need.

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The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

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I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

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Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

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I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

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