Intermittent claudication refers to pain that occurs due to low blood flow. This typically affects the legs but can happen in the arms as well.1 It most often happens during exercise, such as walking, but in some cases, the pain can occur when the patient is at rest.1,2 The pain typically comes and goes.Intermittent claudication is itself a symptom of an underlying condition. It’s most often associated with peripheral artery disease and affects up to half of these patients.2
What Causes Intermittent Claudication?
Intermittent claudication occurs when blood flow decreases and the arteries become blocked, causing a crampy sensation,
Other intermittent claudication causes can include:3
Intermittent Claudication Symptoms
Intermittent claudication symptoms include:
These symptoms usually arise during exercise and go away within a few minutes of rest. Symptoms are most common in the calf muscle where the popliteal artery runs, though it can also affect the major thigh artery, called the femoral artery, which leads to thigh pain. Pain can also occur in the buttocks.
In most patients, pain affects both legs, but it’s not uncommon to only affect one at a time.2 Additional intermittent claudication symptoms can include discolored skin or ulcerations, which happens due to a severe decrease in blood flow.5 In severe cases, sores are slow to heal and can become infected, leading to limb amputations.6
Treatment for intermittent claudication will depend on the cause as it is a symptom rather than a condition itself. Your doctor may prescribe medications or suggest treatments like angioplasty or vascular surgery.7 Lifestyle changes can also help in preventing and treating peripheral artery disease, and certain intermittent claudication herbal remedies may help open blood vessels and reduce pain. Talk to your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.
References
Ginkgo Biloba is the most effective natural product for Intermittent Claudication CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese herbal remedy used to treat intermittent claudication. Take 40 mg of ginkgo biloba standardized extract daily.
L-carnitine is a natural remedy for helping to reduce pain and improve mobility. Take 2 grams of L-carnitine supplement daily.
Vitamin E can help to thin blood and improve mobility. Take 400-600 IU of vitamin E supplements daily for intermittent claudication.
Garlic can help to intermittent claudication. Take 400 mg of garlic powder extract daily.
Fish oil can help to treat intermittent claudication. Take 1000 mg of fish oil supplements daily.