Intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is a classic symptomatic manifestation of peripheral artery disease, primarily affecting the vascular and musculoskeletal systems of the lower extremities in adults with systemic atherosclerosis It is clinically characterized by reproducible muscle cramping, aching, fatigue, or discomfort—most frequently in the calves, thighs, or buttocks—that is triggered by ambulation or physical exertion and rapidly resolves within minutes of rest Pathophysiologically, atheroscleroti...

Intermittent claudication is a classic symptomatic manifestation of peripheral artery disease, primarily affecting the vascular and musculoskeletal systems of the lower extremities in adults with systemic atherosclerosis

It is clinically characterized by reproducible muscle cramping, aching, fatigue, or discomfort—most frequently in the calves, thighs, or buttocks—that is triggered by ambulation or physical exertion and rapidly resolves within minutes of rest

Pathophysiologically, atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion in distal arterial beds prevents adequate increases in blood flow during activity, generating an acute mismatch between skeletal muscle metabolic oxygen demand and arterial supply that produces transient tissue ischemia