--- title: What is Claudication? description: Suffering from leg pain and cramps? You may have narrowed or blocked arteries known as claudication. This may be an indication of PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease. image: https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Leg%20pain%20and%20claudication.jpg --- The Vein Institute of New Jersey is considered one of the top vein centers in the world. 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Nov 21, 2019 10:30:00 AM Dr. Andrew Cha, DO, FACS ![What is Claudication?](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/hubfs/Leg%20pain%20and%20claudication.jpg) Claudication is defined as leg pain and cramping in the lower extremities that occurs with walking and/or exercise.  The word “claudication” comes from the Latin word “[claudicare](https://latin-dictionary.net/definition/10300/claudico-claudicare-claudicavi-claudicatus)” meaning to limp.  Pain from claudication can be sharp or dull, aching or throbbing, or burning.  It occurs most often with basic walking and is relieved with rest.  This can be indicative of [Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease-pad-a-k-a-hardening-of-the-arteries) and is frequently referred to as “intermittent” claudication as the pain comes and goes with exertion and rest. # **Most Common Cause of Claudication** The most common cause of claudication is PAD, which leads to narrowed or blocked arteries in the lower extremities.  The narrowed or blocked arteries are due to [atherosclerosis](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease-pad-a-k-a-hardening-of-the-arteries), or buildup of plaque, within the arteries.  This reduces the amount of blood flow – and therefore oxygen supply – to muscles in the buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, and feet. Calf pain is the most common location for PAD-associated claudication.  However, depending on the location and severity of atherosclerotic plaque, symptoms can be felt anywhere along the lower extremities. ## **Claudication Risk Factors** Risk factors for developing PAD and subsequent claudication include: - Tobacco use - High cholesterol - High blood pressure - Diabetes - Age greater than 60 Though intermittent claudication is not considered a medical or surgical emergency, it is important to be diagnosed appropriately before symptoms become lifestyle limiting.  Diagnosing PAD and claudication begins with a thorough history and physical exam, something our [vascular doctors](http://tcvcg.com/our-practice/our-providers/) at The Cardiovascular Care Group do as our regular initial consultation.  Adjunctive non-invasive testing can be performed in our office, which may include ultrasound Doppler and ABI/PVRs with segmental blood pressure measurements.  More advanced imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be necessary depending on the severity of symptoms and physical exam findings. All of which our practice is fully capable of performing. Leg pain can be due to many different reasons.  Therefore, undergoing an appropriate vascular evaluation is essential to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and subsequent management. ## [Schedule your treatment today](http://tcvcg.com/contact-us/scheduling-appointments/) Learn more about [Dr. Cha, DO, FACS](http://tcvcg.com/providers/andrew-cha/) ## Featured posts ### Categories - [Aortic Aneurysms (11)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/aortic-aneurysms) - [Carotid Artery Disease (18)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/carotid-artery-disease) - [Health/Exercise (22)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/health-exercise) - [Hemodialysis (7)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/hemodialysis) - [Peripheral Artery Disease (23)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/peripheral-artery-disease) - [Travel (4)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/travel) - [Vascular Doctors/Staff (17)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff) - [Vascular Treatments (27)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vascular-treatments) - [Vein Conditions (61)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions) - [Vein Treatments (47)](https://vascular.tcvcg.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments) ### Subscribe to TCVCG Health News ## Contact Us #### To contact us or schedule an appointment call (973) 759-9000 or fill out the form below The Cardiovascular Care Group has six (6) convenient office locations throughout New Jersey. 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